SAME OLD NEW YEAR

The pages of our old calendar have reached their end. I purchased a new calendar for my wife on Boxing day.....after all they were fifty percent off......why not? And with the change in years, begins a process in which the masses promise to lose weight, exercise more, spend more time with their families or stop smoking (all good things to do).  But I get this feeling we have done this all before.....
However, what I do know is lost in all the confetti, midnight parties, and "Dick Clarks Rocking New Years Eve" is genuine reflection. Taking a look back on the year that was, seeing the great blessings God has provided. Reflecting on the challenges the LORD has brought across our bows in order to purify His people and conform us more and more into the image of His beloved Son. Basking in His great and perfect love......and of looking forward to what is coming down the pipe.
Some of the simple things I have seen in our lives is health....eyes that see...ears that hear...legs that walk.....and children who know the LORD. A relationship with God......the fact He hears our prayers.....a roof to keep the rain off our heads.....songs of praise......Christmas lights and friends. All these simple blessings help to outweigh the challenges that have to be faced in a world that reflects the character of it's master, he who appears as an angel of light......but comes to destroy and kill.
The anticipation of a new year brings to most a sense hope, anticipation, and expected prosperity. Who could argue that this past year seemed to be more difficult than the others we have seen in the 21st century.......massive earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, death, corruption, economic meltdowns........I am afraid that those who are hoping, expecting (in some cases demanding) a better year characterized with prosperity and well being will find themselves on the eve of next New Years expecting the same things, realizing that the past year didn't live up to their expectations either.
Prosperity and fulfillment  may happen......but for most it will not......therefore it may be necessary to reevaluate where our hope is laid.......or should I say WHO is our hope laid in?
With the passing of another year, I know, according to God's Word, we are closer to the end.......the second coming of Jesus the Christ......not in humble estates as His first advent, which we just celebrated at Christmas, but victoriously, as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. A New Year that could see the vindication of the LORD and His people....a year that God's people can enter into their rest and have faith give way to sight. A New Year where events are put in motion that will see the New Jerusalem and God's kingdom come fully unto the earth. A year where pain, suffering, evil, wickedness, destitution, sin and death will be ultimately dealt with.
I guess this isn't the same old new year.....I guess it does hold hope, excitement and anticipation.......but the BIG difference is the source of that emotion.......namely Christ Jesus.
So hang up that new calendar.......it may just be the last one you do........

"Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come so Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)

"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL........."

As my eyes dart over the pages of Luke, I am reminded again of the incredible scene the doctor presents us with. As somewhat of an amateur historian, Luke researched his findings with great care and presents us with incredible details that help to fill in the question we all ask, "What happened that first Christmas?" and most importantly, "What does it mean?"

First the mention of Caesar Augustus, a man of history. The ruler of Rome, imputed with great social status, power and privilege. Deemed the "savior" of the ancient world, considered a "son of god", acknowledged as the man who brought "peace" to all of the Roman empire, his place was of highest honor. However God isn't interested in what mankind would deem as powerful. Status and social position is not a thing that impresses the King of Kings. Caesar's reign was small, limited to an empire that has long ago faded into the world's history books. His realm of power, small, insignificant compared with the vastness of the heavens and eternity. Luke will define for us what, or should I say Who, is the true power in this world.

Second the announcement of the divine birth of God's Son was not made in marble halls or against the backdrop of royal scarlet, but to those who lacked any position or status in the land. Meager shepherds, "watching their flocks by night." Working men, looking to support their families and sacrificing much to do so. It is to these men that the angelic announcement comes concerning a Boy born not to His parents, but to them.....to all of us. As the prophet Isaiah prophised seven hundred years earlier....."A Child is Born, A Son is given...." (Isaiah 9:6). It is the gift of God to a people that had, and still does, reject Him. A gift of grace.....a tangible Gift that displays God's great love for mankind. A Son given......to us.......we like the shepherds, low, the lowly among God's creation....yet created in His image....A Son given to us......to die in order for us to truly live.

Third, the great response of the shepherds. They searched out the Child, wrapped in swaddling cloths (a beautiful picture of the atoning death of Christ to come.......for Jesus never was far from the shadow of Calvary's Cross). And they came with great haste.......they ran to see the Child....gazing upon the face of THE SON of David. Sent by God to deliver them......but they may have not realized the extent to which this Child would deliver......not just Jews, but Gentiles (For in the descendent of Abraham all the families of the world would be blessed). Not just the religious, but more so the unrighteous. He came down from the place of Heaven, the place eternal, to the earth.......the greatest gift of Christmas.

His government will be ruled by justice and righteousness. A kingdom that will be ruled by love and grace. A government that will have no end, but stretches to all the ends of reality.....the visible and invisible. Caesar's reign has no comparison to the Price of Peace.

God's Son has been born to us.......a gift given from the Father Himself to mankind. What more evidence is needed to prove His great and perfect love for the imperfect?

And finally.....the response of the shepherds.......how will we respond this Christmas season? Will we run to Him with haste, the same haste children do Christmas morning towards a tree surrounded by presents? How will you respond? How will we all respond this Christmas to the Savior, the bringer of peace, the true Son of God?

In the words of Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol" I would like to echo the words of a young, crippled boy who knew the grace of God and loved the LORD........"God bless us, everyone."
MERRY CHRIST MAS

OUR VIDEO OF THE PELHAM CHRISTMAS PARADE

We had a great time at the parade. Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS CONCERT TONIGHT!

Today is the day for our annual Awana Christmas concert! The clubbers and leaders have worked hard to bring you what we hope will be an enjoyable night out at the chapel. Please remember to be at the chapel for 6:15 pm, with the program beginning at 6:30 pm. The program is approximately 45 minutes and please plan to stay afterward for refreshments and snacks in the gym. Everyone is invited, so we'll see you there!

WONDERFUL TIME AT THE PARADE!

The Candy Cane Gang

There was a cold breeze in the air, but it couldn't dampen our spirits as we paraded down the streets of Pelham in the annual Christmas parade. Everyone had a great time handing out candy canes with the message of Jesus Christ. We sang a few Christmas carols while we marched along, laughed and rang out the "Merry Christmas" greeting to everyone we could see.
The clubbers did an incredible job carrying the Canada and Awana flags, as well as the "Merry Christmas from Ridgeville Bible Chapel" banner.
Some of the highlights from the day included seeing familiar faces in the crowd, getting pictures with a "Bobby sized" Teddy Bear, getting candy canes from Santa and Mrs.Claus, pony rides and great eats.
Thanks everyone who was involved, in particular Kim Wiley, Al Nickel, Pauline Cooper, Laura Halek, Yvonne Labbe and those parents who helped walk with thier Cubbies.
AND.......DON'T FORGET THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT THIS TUESDAY AT 6:30 PM. Please be at the chapel for 6:15 pm and plan to stay afterwards for refreshments and goodies. See you then!

PARADE TODAY AT NOON!

Today is the day....the Pelham Christmas parade. Clubbers, please meet at Bethany Christian Reformed Church on Balfour St between 11:30-12 noon. We will get orgnized there and march on our way. We will be singing carols, carrying the Awana flag and reminding the public what Christmas is really about....the birth of a Son, given to man, to pay for our sins.
Let's pray for safety and a great time proclaming the good news of the Gospel to our community.
And remember....DRESS WARMLY! It's easier to take off layers than not to have any at all.
Pick up is at Centennial Park at the end of the parade. There are activities and snacks for everyone. Please remember parents, that at the completion of the parade, you will be responsible for your children. Thanks.
See you there!

PIZZA AND MOVIE NIGHT FRIDAY

The two winning teams of the last quarter are entitled to join Commander Bobby at the chapel for pizza and a movie....as of right now we're not sure what movie will be playing, but will probably have a Christmas theme given the time of year.

As always, parents are invited. Please be at the chapel for 6:15 for pizza with the movie starting at about 6:45 pm. For those parents who are dropping off kids, pick up is for approximately 8 pm.

Don't forget to circle December 13th on your calendars for our annual Awana Christmas Concert beginning at 6:30 pm. Please have clubbers at the chapel for 6:15 pm so we can prepare for the performance.

AND COME OUT TO THE PARADE THIS SATURDAY....OUR CLUB IS GOING TO REPRESENT THE CHAPEL AND AWANA IN OUR COMMUNITY. BE AT THE PARADE BETHANY CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH ON BALFOUR FOR NOON.

See you all soon.......

PARADE NEWS!!!

This is short notice, but the Awana club at RBC will be entering the Fenwick Christmas Parade again this year! It is being held on December 10th beginning at 11:30 am for participants. The parade itself will begin at 1 pm and finishing up at Centennial Park where there will be activities and food!
Notices will be sent home on Tuesday and Club Directors will be contacting clubbers parents with more info.

Great time last year at the parade!

This year we will be walking the route with our flags so I will be looking for a few volunteers to hold the flags and signs. We will be handing out candy canes and some other things......so we'll see you there!