But when the set time had fully come,

God sent his Son,

born of a woman,

born under the law, 

to redeem those under the law,

that we might receive adoption to sonship.

~Galatians 4:4-5~

READ and WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

December 23 – Luke 2: 8-12

READ LUKE in DECEMBER

December 23 – Luke 23

PLANNED SCHEDULE AT FBC,KENTWOOD

Christmas Eve – 6 P.M. service (30 minutes)

Christmas Day – 10:30 A.M. worship

ANDY AND BETTY TAYLOR were still at home and doing okay yesterday afternoon. Keep them in your prayers.

JERRY DOUGHTY is hospitalized with Covid and his other issues. His wife, June, is home with Covid. Please say a special prayer for them.

Wednesday, within about an hour, I received two comments about how much better I was walking. It’s been almost eight months since my first fall. God has been faithful to allow me to improve. David has been a great helper! I am so thankful to be able to walk better and better.

James Rimes shared a cutting from the Enterprise Journal. It is entitle “Three Gratitudes Per Day” and was written by Mrs. Linda Miller of McComb. It is a reminder to be thankful every day! She suggests writing three different things each day every day. I know the list can be endless. God is always blessing us and blessing us in different days.

I assume today’s list surely would include heat, power, water, warm clothing, intact pipes, someone to check on pipes allowing you to stay inside, etc. Oops, I listed more than three “gratitudes” without an problem at all. Yesterday, those thing would not have made the list, but today is a new day. The current temperature is 20 degrees and still dropping. What are the things you would list?

Stay safe as you check the pipes today. Then, get back inside as soon as you can. Be extra thankful if you have someone to do these things for you, as I do. Spend some extra time thanking God for your daily “Gratitudes”. Give some encouragement to others. Be a blessing to others today.

Anna Lee

“Praise be to the Lord,

the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people

and redeemed them.”

Luke 1:68

There was a much bigger plan than to begin a fun holiday!

READ and WRITE SCRIPTURE

Dec. 22 – Luke 2: 4-7

READ A CHAPTER OF LUKE DAILY

Dec. 22 – Luke 22

BAPTIST PRESS

You may find the following article interesting. It’s certainly a group I had never heard about.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/pastors-working-as-santas-bring-joy-extend-ministry-to-others-during-holidays/

LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING

This is the special time of the year when people in our churches contribute to this great offering to help missionaries who serve all around the world. One special fact about the LMCO is the 100% of the offering is used on thee mission fields. Give so that others can learn about Jesus and be encouraged to take him into their hearts and lives.

ANOTHER SEASON

It’s cold and flu season. This includes Covid. Try to say clear of these illnesses which seem to be spreading.

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Have you ever been so sick your family went to a Christmas gathering without you? I have!

Have you ever visited a loved one in the hospital on Christmas? have.

Have your family members had to pause between a wake and a funeral to have Christmas for the children in the family. We have?

Most families will have happy Christmas celebrations and focus on Jesus, children, and all things happy, BUT other families will have sick members who cannot even attend family celebrations, visit in a hospital all during the holidays, and bury a loved one during this Christmas season.

Be thankful if you are blessed not to have sickness and/or death during the Christmas season. Pray for the families who do. Do something special for the families. Express your thanks to God.

WEATHER ALERT/PRAYER ALERT

Be informed!

Be proactive!

Stay aware!

Address issues right away!

Help others, if you can!

Be in prayer for weather problems to be minimal!

Pray for those who must get out to help others!

Anna Lee

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace

(Isaiah 9:6, ESV).

Pray for Sim Bankston of Arcola who required emergency surgery yesterday, but is doing well now that the surgery is completed.

Andy Taylor is home. What a great Christmas blessing after two weeks in the hospital and rehab.

Pray for all the others who have been sick. Some are home, but others or not.

PRAYER FOCUS: Pray for those who will be traveling to be with family members for the holidays. This year, traveling may be mor difficult because of the cold weather that is covering much of our country.

I would also like to add a second group – Those who will be on standby at fire departments, hospitals, etc. to take care of the needs of people during the weather emergency we are facing.

READ and WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

December 21: Luke 1: 51-56

READING LUKE in DECEMBER

December 21 – Luke 21

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

CP-funded medical care ‘very reassuring’ to missionaries

I also know this medical care is good. Just ask our Jennie.

Emergency preparations:

Purchase gasoline for vehicles and fuel for heating your home and running generators.

Protect pipes, pumps, etc.

Purchase food that can be prepared during an outage.

Buy batteries needed for flashlights, radios, etc.

Purchase needs for several days.

Check on neighbors, friends, and relatives.

PLAN TO ATTEND SPECIAL CHIRSTMAS SERVICES AT NEABY CUURCHES AND/OR ONLINE, IF POSSIBLE.

Anna Lee

• But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”Matthew 1:20
• The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”Luke 1:35
• But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”Luke 1:30-31
• This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.Matthew 1:18
• But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
  though you are small among the clans of Judah,
  out of you will come for me
  one who will be ruler over Israel,
  whose origins are from of old,
  from ancient times.Micah 5:2
• After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”Matthew 2:1-2

Yesterday, David hurried to the mailbox when we saw the mail lady was putting mail in our box. We were blessed to have a sweet note and a check to use for more purchases for OCC. In the midst of hours and hours of rain, God provided a dry check and note of appreciation from a lady who live in another town. We are thankful for the giver, the gift, and the note. It may be a week or so before we spend it due to the weather and the holidays. I will use that time to pray for wisdom in spending it to benefit the boxes the most. What a blessing this new friend has been to OCC!

READ and WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

December 20 – Luke 1: 46-50

READ LUKE IN DECEMBER

December 20 – Luke 20

PRAYER FOCUS – Wisdom and resources

Let’s say special prayers that people in our area will use their resources to help others as needs arise in the next few days. May the holidays take on a special spirit by people being helpful to others. May the “givers” receive the blessing of a tender heart for the true needs of those in our communities and neighborhoods. My the lessons of caring for others remain long after the holidays pass.

EXAMPLE: I understand many people in our are were without electricity for a long time yesterday. Let’s pray this doesn’t happen when the temperatures are so cold during the next few days. If it does happen, let’s pray that those who have heat will invite others to enjoy some hours of warmth. May God use those with resources to bring comfort and good health to others with physical and spiritual needs. What a great opportunity to share the verses about the birth of Jesus with others.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Today’s Headline: 84% of Christians Say U.S. Has Forgotten the True Meaning of Christmas

Lord, help us to not be counted in that number!

Anna Lee

• But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
• Matthew 1:20
• The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
• Luke 1:35
• But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”
• Luke 1:30-31
• This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
• Matthew 1:18

Please be in prayer for Jerry Doughty. He, along with many of our other friends, has Covid and other issues.

Continue to pray for Andy Taylor who continues to be at North Oaks Rehab. Pray for Betty as she travels back and forth to visit with him.

Pray for Ronnie and Elaine Cutrer. Both of them have been sick. He is better, and getting out again, but she is still fighting some health issues.

READ and Write SCRIPTURE TODAY

Dec. 19 – Luke 1: 35- 38

READING LUKE in DECEMBER

Dec, 19 – Luke 19

Here I am with ANOTHER WEATHER WARNING

We are predicted to have lots of very cold, Arctic, weather this week. Be alert to take care of your family and others.

OPPORTUNITIES at FBC, Church this week

Prayer Meeting – Wed. at 6:00 P.M.

Christmas Eve Service – 6 P.M.

Christmas Service – 10:30 A.M.

Coming Soon – OCC January Workshop – Jan. 7th at 9 A.M.

Stay safe and warm this week!
Anna Lee

• Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.Isaiah 7:14
• The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.Luke 2:20
• So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.Luke 2:4-5
• For the practices of the peoples are worthless;
  they cut a tree out of the forest,
  and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.
  They adorn it with silver and gold;
  they fasten it with hammer and nails
  so it will not totter.
  Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,
  their idols cannot speak;
  they must be carried
  because they cannot walk.
  Do not fear them;
  they can do no harm
  nor can they do any good.Jeremiah 10:3-5

Mariano P. (Sonny) Garofalo

March 23, 1937 – December 16, 2022

Mariano P. (Sonny) Garofalo was born March 23, 1937 and passed away at 10:00 PM Friday, December 16, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years of age and a U. S. Navy Veteran. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Rosalie Lamonica Garofalo; Two Sons, Larry M. Garofalo, Sr. and Ronald L. Garofalo; Grandchildren Larry Michael Garofalo, Jr. and wife Dusty, Todd G. Garofalo and wife Megan, Ryan Garofalo, and Fallyn Garofalo Parrett; Great-Grandchildren Wyatt A. Garofalo, Greyson Rose Garofalo, & Caitlynn Shumate; Brothers Nat Garofalo and wife Jeanette, and Joseph Garofalo; Special brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joe & Rose Lamonica; Nieces Kathy Lamonica and Joyce Lamonica Rollins and husband John; Genessa Garofalo Metcalf, and his sister Sara’s children, the Lloyd family (James Lloyd, Jr., Maria Ann, Marion, & Sarah Leah), and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mariano and Lena Giamalva Garofalo, and his sister Sara Garofalo Lloyd. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home of Amite on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, from 8 AM – 9 AM for family and 9AM-11:30 AM for friends. Mass will be conducted at 12:00 PM at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence beginning at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Colonial Cemetery in Independence. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son, brother-in-law and uncle will be deeply missed and loved forever. He was one of the kindest, most loving people anyone was ever lucky enough to meet.

READ and WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

Dec. 18 – Luke 1: 30-34

READ LUKE IN DECEMBER

Dec. 18 – Luke 18

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for the elderly around us as the temperatures around us drop this week and stay cold for a while. Some homes are not well insulated and interiors stay rather cold. The same problem is also occurring in Europe and other places. Pray for the people to stay warm and healthy. If you have a way to help some local people who live in cold homes, I hope your generous spirit will help you to hind a way to help these people.

Local churches will be sharing the Christmas story in various ways today. Get involved, even it only as a listener or watcher.

May you have and share a generous spirit this Christmas season.

Anna Lee

Bible Verses about Christmas

• She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.Matthew 1:21
• Glory to God in the highest heaven,
  and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.Luke 2:14
• She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.Matthew 1:2
• For to us a child is born,
  to us a son is given,
  and the government will be on his shoulders.
  And he will be called
  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6
• Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.Luke 2:11
• Glory to God in the highest heaven,
  and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.Luke 2:14
• But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”Luke 2:10

Yvelle Parnell Viola

June 25, 1931 – December 14, 2022

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 ather home in Kentwood, LA. She was born June 25, 1931 in Roseland, LA and was 91 years of age. She is survived by her former husband, Joseph James Viola; brother, Frank C. Parnell of Chesbrough, LA. Preceded in death by her husband, Vincent A. Randazzo; mother, Irene B. Parnell; father, Curtis S. Parnell; twin sister, Iris P. Patterson; sisters, Janice P. Ennis, Drewlene Baker of Sheridan, Arkansas and Josie L. Parnell of Roseland, LA; brothers, David and Andy Parnell, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM on Monday, December 19, 2022. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Our 2022 “Shoeboxes” are enroute to or possibly delivered to children by now. Our focus has changed. We are shopping for the 2023 “Shoeboxes”. You will soon hear from us about and have an opportunity to participate in our first workshop on January 7th.

PRAYER FOCUS: Today, please pray for us as we shop for shoebox items and plan for 2023 workshops .

READ and WRITE SCRIPTURE in 2022.

Dec. 17 – Luke 1: 26-29

READ LUKE IN DECEMBER

Dec. 17 – Chapter 17

TOMORROW MORNING’S MESSAGE FROM BRO. DARRYL (FBC, Kentwood)

December 18 – “The Agony of Dying”, Luke 23: 44-47

I hope you have a personal prayer list. It can be as simple as the back of an old envelope you keep in a special place or the last page of the current Sunday School book. It might be a simple notebook like I designate as my prayer journal. Do what works for you. Having a personal prayer list helps you focus your prayers. It also is private and meaningful to you.

Have a good day as you prepare for the Lord’s Day!

Remember the reason for the season.

Anna Lee

What a blessing! May we recognize God’s blessings for us in our daily lives. Blessings are not meant to be counted/recognized only during the month of November. They are a part of our daily lives and should be recognized daily.

READ and WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

Dec. 16 – Matthew 2: 7-12

READ LUKE IN DECEMBER

Dec. 16 – Luke 16

BAPTIST MESSAGE

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

BE SURE YOU READ THIS ARTICLE.

Kentwood girl’s bracelet sales go to help DR victims in Florida

Alanna is so blessed to have Kim for her grandmother. She provides opportunities for her grandchildren to do missions! What an example she has lived before their eyes! Thank God for Kim and all the blessing He has provided through her.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Today’s Prayer Focus – Today, let’s pray for those on our personal prayer lists. We all have people who are dear to us to pray for. Let’s use this day to focus our prayers, and possibly actions, on them today.

Let’s be sure to say our prayers of thankfulness for God’s protection during the dangerous storms that passed through our area Wednesday.

Make plans now to join FBC, Kentwood as they sing Christmas carols all around Kentwood Sunday evening. Show up at 6 P.M. to share God’s love during this season.

You may also want to read Luke 23: 44-47 in preparation for Bro. Darryls message, “The Agony of Dying”, planned for Sunday at 10:30 A.M.. The Christmas season is such a special time to be in God’s House.

Anna Lee

I love Scriptures about encouragement. This may not be a “Christmas passage”, but people all around us need “encouragement”, especially at Christmas.

The Senior Adult Luncheon went on as planned despite the weather. The food and service were wonderful. Ladies on the Senior Adult Committee did the wonderful cooking and kitchen work. Teenage girls from the church were our very helpful servers. Aaron DeBlanc beautifully played carols and hymns for us.

Pray for Jane Wickham as she continues to overcome her surgeries at home and for Andy Taylor to overcome his issues so he can be “home for Christmas”. Pray for the “homebound” to receive some Christmas spirit and joy by friends, both neighbors and church people. Pray for all the others in your family, your neighborhood, your S.S. class, etc. who need special Christmas this week.

READ and WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

December 15 – Matthew 2: 1-6

READ LUKE at CHRISTMAS

December 15 – Luke 15

BRO. DARRYL’S SCRIPTURES for DECEMBER 18

A.M. – “The Agony of Dying” – Luke 2: 8-12

P.M. – Christmas Caroling in and around Kentwood

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

The storm has passed. Next weather issue – low temperatures next week. Don’t get caught unprepared!

The next few days will be perfect for sharing Christmas cheer and the real reason for Christmas with others.

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Anna Lee

Janice, the church secretary, says the Senior Adult Christmas Lunch is still scheduled for 11 A.M.