10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Pete Gill had his first chemotherapy treatment yesterday afternoon. He will be having treatments five days a week for three and a half weeks. Pete sends his thanks to those who are praying for him.

Pray for Dee Dee Stokes Gill of Amite who had a stroke Christmas Day. Dee Dee is hospitalized in North Oaks. She has shown some improvement since Tuesday.

I have an unspoken request for a man who had a procedure yesterday in Baton Rouge and is hospitalized overnight.

Read the Bible

Zach 9-10
Ps. 148
Matt. 23

“Count Your Blessings” each morning you wake up!

https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Count_Your_Blessings/

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

~Luke 2:13-14~

I hope each of you had a joyous Christmas and centered some on your attention on Jesus, the true focus of the Christmas holiday.

Thank-you for praying for Fannie Seal as she had knee replacement surgery Monday. She is up and walking.

Nancy Pledger is thankful for your prayers for her family at the time of her sister’s death this past week. Please continue to pray for them today and in the days to come.

Say special prayers for those who are hospitalized during this holiday week and for their caregivers as they balance home and hospital environments this week.

Pray for families going through the holidays without loved ones who passed away in 2018.

Read the Bible Today

Zech. 7-8
Prov. 30
Matt. 22

FBC, Kentwood will celebrate the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Sunday with a missions march during morning worship Sunday.

Thank God for the little things that have made your life so special in 2018.

Anna Lee

Merry Christmas

“Out of sheer generosity God put us in right standing with himself.

A pure gift.

He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be.

And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.

He sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin.”

~Romans 3:24-25 The Message~

Pete Gill’s procedure went well. Now, treatment will begin. Pray for this family during this Chirstmas Day.

Another Spring Creek family is in the hospital. Jimmy Rufus Williams may get to come home today. I know the family will celebrate being at home together and the birth of Jesus long ago.

David found some Christmas spirit in the good news he received yesterday and was able to attend the service at FBC, last night. It was beautiful from the beginning to the end. I know there were other special services last night. I hope you were able to attend one. We are extra thankful not to be going to Baton Rouge for a unit of blood today.

Mary Jo Gauthreaux Childress

February 5, 1950 – December 23, 2018

Mary Jo Gauthreaux Childress, 68, of Laurel passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018, and
is in the arms of Jesus after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Mrs. Childress was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was a
member of First Baptist Church of Laurel where she served as a Sunday School teacher and
Bible Drill leader for many years. She adored children and was a teacher for Jones County
School District’s Star Reach Program.
She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph E. Gauthreaux of Biloxi, and her grandparents
John and Mary Gates of Pensacola, FL, and Joseph and Theresa Gauthreaux of Biloxi.
She is survived by her loving husband, David Childress of Laurel; her two daughters, Molly
(Carson) Humphries of Richardson, TX, and Mary Katherine “Katie” Childress of New York, NY;
her mother, Mary Helena (Gates) Gauthreaux of Biloxi; her sister Nancy (Jim) Pledger of
Natchitoches, LA; and four grandchildren, Hannah, Lydi Kate, Wiley, and Ellis Humphries.
Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel on Wednesday,
December, 26, 2018, followed by services at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m.
in Mendenhall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Foundation of Laurel, Inc.
First Baptist Church Foundation of Laurel, Inc.
P.O. Box 4452
Laurel, MS 39441-4452

Read the Bible today.

Zech 4-6
Psalm 147
Matt. 21

Read about the birth of Jesus today.

Today is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. That’s amazing, but not the end or the story. He left heaven to live on earth and prepare the way for us to have salvation and to eventually live with Him forever. That’s the greatest story ever told. I hope you get to tell this story to someone today.

Happy birthday to our daughter.

Katera McMillian shared the following pictures and stories with me. I’m passing them on. Then, I’m going to get my “Christmas arch” out for this special day. It was a gift a number of years ago.

Merry Christmas Around the World

https://www.imb.org/2018/12/24/christmas-celebrations-world/

The story is the same even though the celebration is different in other countries. Focus on the meaning of Christmas as told in the Bible.

Anna Lee

Christmas Eve Addition

This morning I forgot to include a prayer request for Pete Gill who is receiving a port today at North Oaks and is facing possible radiation treatments soon. Prayers for Pete, Gloria, and Tristan are greatly appreciated.

David and I just returned from Ochsner in Baton Rouge. This is our holiday update.

December 24th Update: We are home from our trip to Ochsner. We received good news. The blood level was 8.5 last Tuesday and 9.1 this morning. That means NO blood infusion today. The next blood test will be Monday, December 31st. Many prayers were answered this morning. What a great Christmas blessing!

Christmas Eve

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

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

“Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Luke 2:10-11 NIV

Read the Christmas story – Luke 24

Read the Bible today – Reflect on God as Emmanuel.

Nancy Pledger’s sister passed away after having had dementia for more than sixteen years. Nancy’s brother-in-law faithfully cared for his wife every day.

My friends in Indonesia are fine. The tsunami did not cause then any concern. Pray for the families who have lost loved ones though.

Pray for my college friend, Fannie Seal. She is having knee replacement surgery today.

FBC, Kentwood, like many other area churches will have a candlelight service this evening at 6 P.M. You are invited to attend and bring your company with you.

Pray for the many people who will be traveling to celebrate Christmas with their family today.

Remember, this day and this holiday is about Jesus.

Anna Lee

Sunday

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~

Here’s the obituary for Jimmy Tolar.

https://www.sharkeyfuneralhome.com/services.asp?page=odetail&id=83310&locid=112&fbclid=IwAR1qV4sfrr4XKYkEdVzebX0rTawStNcOqiUrlj48od2bEuPIicad1FI5wls

Let Us Help You …

James “Jimmy” C Tolar

James Carol Tolar, (Jimmy), 80, of Kentwood, LA, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 in Hammond.

He was born February 27, 1938 in Hathorn, MS. He was the son of Marvin and Charlene Rogers Tolar.

He was a proud graduate of Kentwood High School and LSU School of Banking. He was a retired Senior Vice President at First Guaranty Bank (44 years), Christmas tree farmer, a member of the Kentwood Rotary Club (43 years) and deacon at First Baptist Church of Kentwood, (50 years). ‘Daddy Jim’ loved camping and fishing, but his favorite pastime was spending time with his family and serving the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Naomi Davidson Tolar of Kentwood; one sister, Mary Frances Graham (Arlon) of Houston TX; one daughter, Audrey Elaine Doucette (Bob) of Richmond KY; three sons, Russ Tolar (Laura) of Kentwood, Jeff Tolar (Amy) of Crestview FL, and Tom Tolar (Stacey) of Kentwood. eight grandchildren, Danielle Mills (Ben), Brandon Doucette, Tyler Carter, Dawson Tolar, Micah Tolar, Autumn Tolar, Seth Tolar and Darbi Tolar; one great- grandchild, Liam Herrel and a host of family and friends.

Visitation is Friday from 5 PM to 8 PM at First Baptist Church Kentwood, LA and continues Saturday from 9 AM until worship services at 11 AM, led by Bro. Darryl Miller. Burial will follow in Hyde cemetery under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, MS.

Read the Christmas story – Luke 23

Read the Bible today,

Zech 1-3
Proverbs 29
Matt. 20

Have a great Christmas Eve Eve!

Anna Lee

Saturday

God took one look at me, and look what happened—I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten.”

~Luke 1:48 The Message~

Pete Gill had a difficult and is now back at North Oaks and on a bi-pap machine. Please pray for Pete, his family, and the medical team caring for him.

Pray for families who have a loved one in the hospital or sick at home during the holidays. Perhaps we can find a way to help someone get through this holiday season.

Pray for all the families around us who are grieving over the loved ones who will not be with the family as in previous years.

Read the Christmas story – Luke 22

Read the Bible today

Haggai
Psalm 146
Matthew 19

I hope you have taken and will take the opportunity to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas in local churches this year.

Anna Lee

Friday

32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,

33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

~Luke 1:32-33~

Jimmy Rufus Williams is sitting up, eating some, and acting like he would be happy to head to Kentwood in a few days.

Mrs. Mildred Birch is scheduled to get to go home today. Pray all goes well for her there as she continues to heal.

You are invited to attend the wake for Jimmy Tolar tonight at FBC, Kentwood and the worship service tomorrow at 11 at FBC, Kentwood.

Pearl Rosamond‘s service will be at Taylor Creek today at 11.

Mrs. Bonnie McMillian’s service will be today at New Zion Baptist Church.

I did not locate an obituary for Mrs. Katherine Strickland yet.

Read the Christmas story – Luke 21

Read the Bible today

Zephaniah
Proverbs 28
Matthew 18

Share the giving spirit of this season today because it was because God gave his Son to us to start this wonderful season of the year,

Anna Lee

Thursday

30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.

31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.

~Luke 1:30-31~

Jimmy William‘s surgery went well. He had five by-passes. Linda is thankful for your prayers during seven hours of surgery.

Gayle Owens made it home from her second round of hospital time following her heart attack. She will be making some diet changes. Pray she does well with that.

Bonnie Jean Bridges McMillan

July 25, 1934 – December 19, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was born July 25, 1934 in St. Helena Parish and was 84 years of age. She accepted Christ and joined New Zion Baptist Church at the age of 12, where she has been a lifelong member. She was a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as the regent of the Halimah Chapter and as the State Corresponding Secretary under the Cook Administration. She was a longtime member of the St. Helena Parish Democratic Committee. She was a board member of the St. Helena Parish Council on Aging. She was the 14th child of Wilson William Bridges and Cassie Bridges Bridges. She is survived by 3 sons, Aubrey McMillan and Carolyn, Ronald McMillan and Annette, and Stephen McMillan and Marsha; 9 grandchildren, Jeremey McMillan, Spencer and Angela McMillan, Adam and Heather McMillan, Hardy and Emily McMillan, Mackie and Raye Anne McMillan, Mandie Mcmillan, Dondi and Rufus Willams, Melanie Wilbanks, Jennifer McMillan and Brad Dees; 20 great-grandchildren, Cassie Wilson, Morgan McMillan and Destin Leblanc, Taylor Ridgedell, David Daniels, Jr., Colby Ridgedell, Dalton McMillan, Devin Daniels, Lauryn Ridgedell, Caitlyn McMillan, Grace Rae Hickman, Landon McMillan, Jonas Hickman, Ava Daniels, Paxton Dees, Bracy McMillan, Lana McMillan, Lila McMillan, Jemma Grice, Peyton Dees, and Porter McMillan; 2 step-great-grandchildren, Elaina Williams and Brody Williams;4 great-great-grandchildren, Kori Fontenot, Kainen Fontenot, Kyler Wilson, and Eli Carter Leblanc. Preceded in death by husband, Ralph “Mackie” Carl McMillan; parents, Wilson William Bridges and Cassie Bridges Bridges; 1 son, Donald McMillan; 1 daughter, Sharon McMillan; 1 great-grandchild, Douglas Duran McMillan, 6 brothers, J.S. Bridges, Will T. Bridges, C.J. Bridges, Jack Bridges, Murphy Bridges, and Charles Bridges; 7 sisters, Mammie Allen, Mattie Lambert, Elaine Pittman, Minnie Pittman, Rucee Crowell, Inez Tate, and Wilma Chand.Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 21, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Gibbie McMillan and Rev. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Jeremey McMillan, Spencer McMillan, Adam McMillan, Hardy McMillan, Mackie McMillan, David Daniels, Jr., Colby Ridgedell, and Paxton Dees. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mrs. Katherine Strickland passed away yesterday, Her obituary is not posted yet.

Read the Christmas Story – Luke 19

Read the Bible today

Habakuk
Psalm 145
Matthew 17

Share the real Christmas spirit with someone today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Addition

Linda Williams asks for continued prayers.

Jimmy went back to surgery at 7 am and the anesthesiologist said with Jimmy facing 5 bypasses, he could be in surgery until 1 pm. I will post updates. Thanks so much for your continued prayers.

Jimmy Tolar passed away this morning. Pray for Naomi and other family members.

Services are planned at FBC,Kentwood for Friday night and Saturday.