"And there were in that same country, children keeping watch over their socks by firelight. And lo, Santa Claus came upon them, and the glory of his presence shone 'round about them, and they were enthralled. And Santa said unto them, 'Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great gifts which will be to all people with money to afford them. For unto you is cooking this day in the oven of your kitchen a turkey which is surrounded by pudding and cakes, and this shall be a sign unto you, ye shall find the gifts wrapped in sparkling paper and lying in a pile under the tree.' And suddenly there was with the children a multitude of earthly relatives, praising each other and saying, 'Thank you, this was just what I wanted.' And it came to pass as Santa and the relatives were gone away into their own homes, the parents said one to another, 'Let us go even unto bed to avoid the mess which the kids and guests have made known unto us.' And they came with haste and found peace, quiet, and rest lying in a bed until morning."

Doesn't even sound like Christmas, does it? But this does: "Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying: 'Sovereign Lord, as You promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel'" (Luke 2:25-32).

Simeon was a man who refused to allow the church, the society, his family, his job, or all the other pressures of life to interfere; nothing could make this man miss Jesus. The innkeeper in Bethlehem missed Jesus. Herod was wrapped up in business and missed Jesus. The good citizens of Bethlehem missed Jesus being born right under their noses.

Simeon focused on the coming Savior. He finally saw Him and held Him. Now is the time for you to focus your attention on Jesus. Now is the time to believe in Him as your personal Lord and Savior. When you do that with a child-like faith, you will be able to say, "Sovereign Lord, I see by faith my Savior, who came from heaven and went to the cradle, and then went to the cross, and who now wears the crown. My sins have been paid for. I now have peace. Whenever You wish, I am ready to leave this world and join You in heaven. Until then I will keep my eyes on You, and I will do what I can to share my faith with others. I will also invite anyone I can to join me in worship in the Sundays ahead. Thank You, my Lord and my God. Thank You, Jesus. Amen."

What do excellent preachers and country music have in common?

When consulting a church, one of my favorite interviews is with 5-8 high school youth. I learn so much about a generation I increasingly respect. At the end of the interview I ask, "Has this ever happened to you before? An adult who seriously wants to know what you think about church, who listens intently and takes notes?" The answer, from 97% of the youth, is: "Never!"

It is called the discipline of ethnology. It is a basic practice of good missionaries. Some years ago I visited Tony, a U.S. missionary deployed in Botswana. We were in a remote part of the Kalahari Desert, in a small village. We stood in the marketplace and silently observed. Tony said, "This is what missionaries do: go into the marketplaces of life; watch and listen and ask questions; and observe the 'liturgy of life.' Observe

From the biblical perspective, the Good News is always relevant. However, depending on your style and approach, it may not be relevant to those you are trying to reach. You need to get inside their world.

Focus on these issues:

1. This is what Jesus taught - by example. It's called the incarnation. It's what Christmas is all about. God entered our world and became one of us, in Jesus Christ. How obvious is that?
2. Listen to your community: read the newspaper with an eye to ministry. Sit around in the local coffee shop, not to talk, but to listen and learn. What are the struggles? What's causing the pain? What are the joys?
3. Most Christians have few relationships with non- Christians. The longer you're a Christian, the more your friends are exclusively church-going people. Develop some situations where you meet unchurched people. Volunteer beyond your church. When I teach pastors, one of my assignments is to interview six unchurched people. They never like the assignment but always find it incredibly revealing.
4. Change your views about tragedies and difficulties in your community. They are windows of opportunity - open doors to show genuine love and concern, build relationships, and share the Gospel.
5. Listen to your culture. What are the spiritual issues that cause people to wrestle? What are the concerns that make people lose sleep? What makes people excited? This explains the popularity of country music... and great preachers.

Remember, the Scripture (James 1:19) says we are to be quick to listen and slow to speak. That's not only good advice about disciplining our anger. It's also a good way to learn how to share your faith in ways that impact others.

Dr. Kent Hunter (LCMS) is nationally known as the Church Doctor. You can contact him at (800) 626-8515, or visit his website at www.churchdoctor.org.

Your Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is a great time to use instruments other than the organ or in concert with the organ. Don't embarrass guests by having them stand or raise their hands. Be sure that your nursery staff is increased. For your children's talk ask a little child to bring a birthday cake up for Jesus (he/she can help mom make it). At the end of the talk light one candle and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. Ask all worshipers to join in. We are attaching a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. It's in Microsoft Word. Feel free to use part or all of it.

For some time people have been asking if we can suggest a good Sunday School program. In another month we'll be able to suggest, and we'll have the program in our inventory. It's a real winner with teachers and kids. Check the January Newsletter and the January Catalog for details.

Sermon preparation: It appears that more pastors today are not writing out their sermons, but, instead, prepare a detailed outline with text, supporting Scriptures, and abbreviated illustrations. Where possible, illustrations have added punch when they focus on something from the community or congregation.

It's one thing to say you love your country. It's a whole different level to be willing to die for it. Think about this for a bit. Then, ask what you and your congregation can do to support families who have a loved one serving in our military and soldiers who have returned home, especially those who have been injured. Before brushing this off, go back to the first two sentences. Thanks!

Your elders or deacons should be active in December. One excellent goal: Ask each elder to contact (personally or by phone) several non-attending members giving a word of encouragement and inviting them to your special worship services. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Here is an excellent sample letter to mail to all members and prospects right before Christmas. This one is easy to adapt to your local circumstances. It's in Word. Hit Christmas Letter.

Every 13 minutes someone in our country dies of a car accident. How about being extra careful including care in defensive driving. Develop the habit to purposely think about this every time you drive. Please share this with your people in a bulletin or newsletter.

Important ministry for pastor and people: Many bed-ridden people face the holidays alone at home or in a nursing home. Have someone make a list of these people, both members and nonmembers; then, ask for volunteers to make visits. Be sure they share the Good News of Jesus and have a short prayer. Try to make this a big deal in your church... because it is a big deal!

Every year over 6,000 churches close their doors. Many churches are struggling. We strongly recommend the following books: Why Men Hate Going To Church, 12 Pillars of a Healthy Church, The Seed- Planting Church, 21 Bridges to the 21st Century, and 44 Ways to Increase Church Attendance. Why not make some of these books a gift to yourself or to a church leader? Go to www.churchpress .com.

The RECORD OF GIVING is in the interest of good stewardship and for the IRS: We have an easy-to-use 5 part carbonless form for the financial secretary. One part is mailed to each giving unit at the end of each quarter as a reminder of where they are in their giving. 5th copy is congregation's permanent record. Has a very positive effect on giving. Email us and ask for a free sample (Be sure to include your address).

Watch for a very special Church Press Special coming by email the first week of December.

We invite you to join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3100 - 15th Street. It will feature a joyful Christmas message, a special children's talk, singing of carols and lighting of candles. We wish you a very Merry Christmas!

From the people at -
St. Paul Lutheran Church

You will be surprised at the results. After the caroling have everyone return to the fellowship hall for hot cocoa, tea, coffee, and cookies and bars. Pastor - Put a few good people in charge. Have them take care of all the details, but be sure you give public encouragement.

An inventory of our business for the Lord often leaves us feeling guilty! Our cry is one of St. Paul, "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing" (Romans 7:19). In despair we feel we can do only one thing - file bankruptcy or "Chapter 11." We want more time to improve our business. We need protection from the Creator!

Christmas is the story about something even better than protection for a limited period of years. It is about an eternal protection plan. It is about a rescue - now! The Judge, God, has heard our case and has had mercy. He has delivered a Savior, Jesus Christ, to redeem us. The Christmas message is that we need not fear Judgment Day, whenever it comes. Just as Jesus Christ came that first Christmas Eve to make us His own, so He will come the final time to take us to be His own forever. Before the judgment throne Jesus Christ will serve as our attorney. Not only will He defend us, but He will announce that He has paid the price, His life, so that we might celebrate eternally. Listen! The Judge is about to speak: "Not guilty! Case closed. Debt paid in full by the blood of Jesus!"

I used to tell my children A great big fairy tale
About a guy name Santa Claus Who came through snow and hail.
He had a velvet red suit And a sleigh with eight reindeer
And brought us lots of presents At Christmas every year.

Then I became a Christian And found a better way.
I told them the true story Of our glorious Christmas Day.
There was a little Baby Born to be our King...
They named the Baby Jesus And He gives us everything.

We celebrate His birthday Now each Christmas Day.
And we have no need for fairy tales For He is the TRUE WAY!.

Our Father, Lord on heav'ns high throne, Most holy be Your name.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done On earth - in heav'n the same.
Give us this day the food we need; Forgiven may we be;
Into temptation do not lead; From evil set us free.

Your's is the Kingdom; unto You In grateful love we bow;
And Your's the pow'r; Lord, let us view Your mighty presence now.
The glory Your's; Your praise be sung By angel hosts and men
In ev'ry land, by ev'ry tongue Forevermore! Amen.

THE BENEDICTION (Tune: "Adeste Fideles")

Pastor: The Lord bless and keep you, Look with love upon you, Be gracious and cause His face to shine with peace!

People: Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Savior close beside us, God's love from harm to hide us. The Spirit's pow'r to guide us evermore!

A man sent his parents a DVD player for Christmas. They were both excited. Now they could be a part of the instant generation! However, when they unpacked it, things changed. They struggled with the installation and wasted a whole afternoon trying to figure out how to connect it with their TV. When they finally did get it connected and tried to make it record a movie, they were completely stumped. This wonderful new electronic DVD gadget transformed their expectant smiles into weary frowns!

A whole afternoon was ruined by complex electronics. Even after reading the directions over and again, they couldn't make it work. They finally called their son who lived too far away to come over, and he suggested they call the tech support number on the manuel. "If you call that number, they'll help you get it working." The parents called and after ten minutes on hold, got more minutes of difficult instructions that still didn't make it work. Finally the mother said, "I don't need better directions; I need my son to come along with the gift!"

When God gave us His most precious gift of salvation, He didn't just send a book of complicated instructions to read, He sent us His Son. Jesus came along with the gift because He Himself was the Gift. This Advent, we recall that first coming, and we await His second coming as well.

Rev. Bob Tasler (LCMS) lives in Castle Rock, CO. He writes a weekly message like the one above and emails it to hundreds of people around the country free. You may subscribe by emailing him.

So many people use His name, but so few know Him as Savior. Many times those of us who know Him as our personal Lord and Savior need to know Him even better. Here are some things you can do to raise the consciousness of Jesus this December in your life and in the lives of others -

1. Do not send Christmas cards that do not lift high the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem.
2. When folks greet you with a "happy holidays" happily respond with, "Merry Christmas to you."
3. When speaking to Christians, greet them with, "I hope you have a 'Mary' (not a Martha) Christmas." Then quickly explain what that means.
4. Be sure you have personal daily Bible study. Make this a top priority!
5. Be sure that you have daily devotions with your family or by yourself.
6. Be sure that in these days you are worshiping Jesus. Really make the King of kings your King. Really work at it!
7. Repeat the words of Luke 1:28 from Gabriel and Mary frequently throughout the day: "I am highly favored" and "The Lord is with me" and "I am the Lord's servant."
8. This month make it your prayer and goal to speak to at least one person who doesn't "know" Jesus so that they may really come to know Him. What a Christmas gift that would be!

Martha's way #1: Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips. My way: Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for Pete's sake. You're probably lying on the couch with your feet up eating it anyway.

Martha's way #2: Use a meat baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle and you'll get perfectly shaped pancakes every time. My way: Buy the precooked kind you nuke in the microwave for 30 seconds. The hard part is getting them out of the plastic bag.

Martha's way #3: To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes. My way: Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix and keep it in the pantry to up to a year.

Martha's way #4: To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh, but if it rises to the surface, throw it away. My way: Eat, cook, or use the egg anyway. If you feel bad later, you will know it wasn't fresh.

Martha's way #5: Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub on your forehead. The throbbing will go away. My way: Martha, dear, the only reason this works is because you can't rub a lime on your forehead without getting lime juice in your eye, and then the problem isn't the headache anymore, it is because you are now blind.