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by Dr. Tony L. Lynn PLYMOUTH, MI – During the 1970s, before streaming, DVD’s, video-recorders, and devices that play whatever you want to watch, whenever you want to watch it – watching colorful Christmas specials on the one night they were broadcast on national TV was a national pastime. I can remember a chorus of us pleading, as school children, begging our moms not to take us Christmas shopping but instead to remain at home so we could watch the Christmas cartoons. We knew our favorite Christmas special would be on for thirty-minutes and if we missed it, we would have to wait an entire year before we could drift into Christmas fantasies and dreams again. I recall friends and cousins playing together in the snow just before our moms yelled, “It’s time to come in for the Christmas special.” Minutes before 8:00 pm, we rushed into the entrance of the house crowding shoulder to shoulder trying to catch our balance as we leaned on one another pulling off our snowy boots by pushing down on the heel of one boot with the toe of the other boot. Bath towels were laid on the floor by our wise mothers to capture the snow making our every lean and move all the tipsier. It was hilarious! With each child down to insulated underwear and a heap of scattered, soggy winter outerwear covering the entrance floor, we scurried to our bedrooms to change into our pajamas while mothers magically made the snowy, wet mess at the doorway disappear into the washer and dryer. I still remember my mom bringing clothes and towels from the dryer and cascading an avalanche of warm, floral smelling loads of laundry on us to warm us up. My sisters, while giggling, would grab as much of the toasty laundry as they could and cover themselves as they inhaled the aroma. As we perched on the sofa in front of the TV, from the kitchen the scraping sound of a large spoon circling the bottom of a pan on the stove could be heard as Mom methodically kept the Nestle’s Quick from sticking to the bottom of the pan. She would carefully heat the milk to the warmth where it would thicken, but never become so hot it would burn us while we sipped it. I have never forgotten her ritual of love. I also have a lingering question about Christmas tree tinsel, or as our family called them, “icicles.” Whatever became of the mountain of tinsel stacked-up as blue light specials at K-Mart? As I look back on my childhood, I think Dad had a package of tinsel or two set out near the Christmas tree all season long. Why? Tinsel packages were there for two reasons. First, because the tinsel would disappear from the tree. Static electricity would make the tinsel stick to clothing or hair of those who got too near the tree while shaking wrapped boxes. I also remember my parents pulling tinsel from the coats or clothing of guests at the backdoor before they departed from merely stepping too close to the Christmas tree to look at the ornaments. Second, my dad from the vantage spot of his favorite living room chair, would see a bare spot that needed more tinsel. He would quietly rise, take a sip from his cup or a break from cracking walnuts or pecans, and slide tinsel from the package then strategically lay the icicle on a branch, one-tinsel-at-a-time. That was his ritual of love along with providing all the walnuts and pecans one could eat. So now that you have read about a few rituals of love during my childhood, I must ask, “What rituals of love are you going to share with your family and friends this Christmas season?” Having trouble identifying some? Here are some suggestions for your consideration: 1. Close devices & open the oven Candy, cookies, and crumbles! There are all kinds of recipes that can fill a family night. It is not about being an expert chef, it is about exploring the kitchen with loved ones while devices are set to silent or turned off and stowed away. Make that semi transparent candy that you break up like broken glass. Bake cookies with aromas like ginger. Take a big risk and make your own Baptist eggnog. Set-up and cleaning the kitchen are part of the activity. Everyone will go to bed with smiles on their faces. 2. Shovel driveways & play music For those looking for fitness or mission driven activities, clear the sidewalks or driveways of those you want to invite to church or into your lives to discover Christ. Take that portable speaker from home with you and Bluetooth some great Christian music while the snow is piled up. Take along a lawn chair or two and invite the person you are helping to sit outside with you in conversation while you work. It is not just about clearing away the snow, it is about the connection with a person or people. 3. Snuggle up & watch Christmas specials Has life been too busy? Did self-care slide low on the priority list? Then create a makeshift cozy living room or family room where everyone can wear their comfort clothes while they snuggle up around an uplifting Christmas special or Christmas movie classic. Turn down the lights and burn some candles. Remember to make it simple and easy with great snacks and drinks. Adjust the temperature to make the blankets and throws necessary. It is about snuggling, cuddling, and finding that calm. 4. Play games & ask questions Playing an aggressive game of chaotic spoons then transitioning to quieter box games or Uno or Crazy 8 or pairing off with chess and checkers is a great way to listen to the latest updates on the lives of those around you. This tradition is about remaining aware of what those closest to you are going through. Too often, as adults, we drive conversations when it is more important to listen to others talk about themselves. Here are some helpful questions to ask of your adult children, your grandchildren, and friends. Looking back on this past year, what was the biggest change or discovery for you? Where did you see God at work in your life this past year? Want to tell me about any new friends in your life or about someone who has become an even better friend? What were the biggest challenges you faced this past year? Can you tell me what is keeping you busy because you must do it, and what is keeping you busy because you enjoy it? 5. Read Scripture & pray generously Search google for "Advent Scriptures" and read daily either alone for private reflection or with others as part of a shared anticipation for Christmas. Advent is that season between November 27 to December 24 when we celebrate God becoming man in the flesh and anticipating Christ’s Second Coming. This holiday season offers us as Christians an obvious platform upon which we can talk about our readings and our prayers for a better world. Others expect us to celebrate what is important to us. Let us not disappoint them. May we express with sincere enthusiasm and compassion our love for the Lord and for others through our personal rituals of love. I hope your reading this far has invoked some pleasant rituals of love from your earlier years. Even more, I hope rekindling your ideas will inspire you to set aside time for those in your life. Your rituals may supply what they need in the future, or it may inspire them to create their own rituals of love. This celebration is a tradition worth highlighting. John 1:14, says it best, “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Tony L. Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe. #DECEMBER22

by Mike Durbin “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." – Isaiah 9:6 (CSB) PLYMOUTH, MI – Decorating the Christmas tree has always been a family project for us. Some seasons, Shar and I do it together, others involve our children or grandchildren. Without fail, every season we talk about ornaments and the stories behind them - almost always the stories we share are about a special person in our lives. It’s a time of remembering. The Durbin family Christmas tree took on a new look last year when Shar wrote some of names of Jesus on bulbs before hanging them on the tree. We’ve done this before, but last year we took it to the next level. Many thoughts entered our minds as we remembered the names of Jesus together. Names like the verse above: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.“ Names carry special significance in the pages of the Old and New Testaments. Not only do they help us identify one person from another, but they also give us insights into things like a person’s character, personality or mannerisms. The names of Jesus help us remember the essence of who He is, His constant presence in our lives, and the strength He gives us in good times and bad. His names help believers navigate the many challenges of life in a broken world. This gave me an idea for Christmas that your family might consider. How about gathering around the table and making a list of the names of Jesus as a family. Write those names on bulbs and hang them on the tree together. We’ve done that and it’s fun. They probably won’t be works of arts, but they will be remembered long after the presents under the tree are forgotten. It might add fun to make a word search puzzle of the names of Jesus for everyone to do. Older children could be challenged to find a verse in the Bible that uses that name of Jesus. Parents could share testimonies how that name for Jesus has helped them in their lives. For instance, in our verse above, Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace.” No one ever experienced peace like Jesus. His world was filled with different versions of the same problems that plague our world today. Jesus faced conflict, drama, false accusations, misunderstandings, betrayal and more. And yet, He experienced inner peace in the midst of it all. He wasn’t the Prince of Peace because He lived a problem free life. That doesn’t exist for anyone. He was the Prince of Peace because of an inner peace - a peace of mind - that helped Him face life’s challenges. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Durbin is the State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before joining the state convention staff, Mike served as Church Planting Catalyst and Director of Missions in Metro Detroit since 2007. He also has served as a pastor and bi-vocational pastor in Michigan, as well as International Missionary to Brazil. #DECEMBER22

by Coye Bouyer LANSING, MI – A pastor friend of mine here in the city always asks me this question when he sees me, “How can we play together?” When I think of his question, my mind is drawn to an image of two individuals at the park playing basketball on opposite ends of the court, both practicing to better their individual games. When Jesus prays for believers, “that all of His disciples may be one,” His prayer is analogous to the oneness He enjoys with the Father. Jesus further fleshes this out when He says, ‘just as you are in me and I am in you (v. 21),’ as if to say we can think and function as one. Here, Jesus is drawing our attention to the biblical concept of Oneness. When we think about the concept of oneness, it is a concept that does not start with Jesus in the Gospel of John, rather it flows throughout the Bible. In creation God says, it is not good for Adam to be alone and so God makes Eve, a helper who is suitable for Adam. Adam then declares that “a man shall leave his father and mother and cling (be bonded) to his wife as the two become one flesh (2:24). When Adam makes this statement part of his point is that he and Eve will perform (function) as one together. In the New Testament, we see Jesus telling Peter that He will build His church (Ekklesia) on this rock (Matt. 16:18). Church is not plural but singular speaking of one Church. And while there are many local assemblies, all local assemblies still represent the one Ekklesia (church). Moreover, in Ephesians we read that Jesus takes both groups, Jew and Gentile and reconciles them both back to their God and Father. Jesus reconciles them by the same means, the Cross and preaches the same message to both (those who were far off and those who were near). This is significant because while they are two separate and distinct groups, Christ has brought them into one body making peace between the two (2:14). Paul informs the Corinthian church that the servants of Christ are one (3:8) symbolizing that while they, their works, and even their rewards are distinct, their purpose is one. Paul’s point is that they possess the same goal, and that is to see God grow the seeds they either helped to plant or water. Moreover, Paul also informs the Corinthian Church that the church must work in peace as opposed to division when it comes to the diversity of gifts given to the one church body. All of this is important because Jesus’ words for us to be one as He and the father are one (Jn. 17:22) is something we can experience, because God experiences it. Remember while the Father and Son are distinguishable and distinct, they are still One (Deut. 6:4). Furthermore, Jesus desires for us to walk as One because when the world sees the church walking as one (in our Performance, Purpose and in Peace), then our witness confirms that we are His disciples and even causes them to believe Jesus and His message. For the display of unity is so compelling and so un-worldly, that our oneness becomes explainable only through the message of Christ. What if those two young men at the basketball court working at opposite ends for the same purpose, to get better, decided to play together. Not only would they increase the chances of their purpose, but they would perform better together giving others a positive example of what can happen when the two work together in peace. So church, today let us walk as one, because ‘We Are One.’ ABOUT THE AUTHOR Coye L. Bouyer is the founding pastor of Kingdom Life Church in Lansing, MI where he has served since March of 2010. Pastor Bouyer recently stepped into the Diversity Ambassador role for the BSCM and firmly believes that he was not only called to Preach the Gospel as part of the process of reconciliation of man to God, but also using any platform as a bridge of reconciliation of man to man, and even more so amongst the brethren. Pastor Bouyer and his lovely wife Keturah (Gen. 25:1) have been married four over 20 years and have four children; Sierra, Seth, Cayla and Coye II. #DECEMBER22

by Mick Schatz ROSCOMMON, MI – Greetings from Bambi Lake Retreat and Conference Center and Merry Christmas! As I am writing this, the snow is lightly falling and there is a quiet hush and calm over all the camp. I imagine it is much like the night (no snow, of course) the shepherds were gathered around a fire, swapping sheep herding stories, and keeping watch over the sheep. This is one of my favorite scenes in the Christmas story. The gospel of Luke records it like this – “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11. Now I don’t know about you, but I have been in a field at night when all you can see and hear Is the fire and the wood cracklin’ and every sensory receptor in your body is on full alert. If an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared before me, I’m sure I would have lost full control of my faculties and died right on the spot. At best I would have “freaked out” like the shepherds and been paralyzed in fear. Wow! What an entrance! However, Imagine the relief when this glorious angel said, “Do not be afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people…”. I love the fact that God the Father chose lowly shepherds to be the first hearers of this Heavenly announcement. This message of hope was not restricted to the religious elite, socially favored, or financially secure. It did not single out only those who dressed to impress or looked the prettiest. This clarion call did not resound for those of a particular ethnicity, skin color, privileged background, or ancestry. THE GOOD NEWS AND GREAT JOY OF JESUS CHRIST WAS ANNOUNCED FOR ALL PEOPLE! HE WHO IS EVERYTHING CAME FOR EVERYONE! All people have been invited to join in and celebrate Christmas. Right from the beginning of our Savior’s life here on earth, we witness the banner of love for all being heralded across the sky. We hear the heart of a loving heavenly Father calling out to His creation declaring a provision of hope and redemption through His son, Jesus. As Christians we bear the responsibility of continuously declaring this Good News and Great Joy. In a world full of selfishness, fear, confusion, and sadness we have Good News and Joy to bring to those around us. In a culture filled with noise and hopeless messages, the Gospel is the only announcement loud and powerful enough to stop people in their tracks and captivate their hearts and minds with a love and joy that changes everything. Celebrate Christmas by sharing the Good News and Great Joy of Jesus Christ! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mick Schatz serves on the staff of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. He is the State Director of Spiritual Enrichment and Retreats and lives at Bambi Lake. #DECEMBER22

by Karen Blanchard MACOMB TOWNSHIP, MI – As I sit down to write this article, I have just gotten back from a retreat with my mentor and another pastor’s wife. Several years ago my mentor first asked me to go away with her on a retreat, and I gave her all the excuses of why I couldn’t go: “I was too busy.” “I had to take care of my kids.” “The timing just wasn’t right.” God began working on my heart and I finally said “yes” to the invitation. This past weekend was the second personal retreat I have been on. This time when my mentor asked me to go, I didn’t hesitate. I said “yes” right away. Jesus tells his disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6:31b NIV This is Jesus’ personal invitation to get away from our day-to-day activities and demands of life to simply rest. The two aspects of rest I want to cover are physical rest and spiritual rest. Physical Rest Physical rest is vital for our body and our minds. This year has been a very difficult year for me, and God has shown me recently how I never take time for physical rest. This is a problem that I am working to change, even though in ministry, the “work” is never done. Author Shelly Miller shares in her book Rhythms of Rest, “The work you have to do while on this earth is never fully finished. There will always be unfinished work. Don’t let it be a reason not to rest, or you never will.” If we keep putting off physical rest because of our “to do” list, there will come a time where we will be forced to rest. I have experienced this a few times in my life. If we constantly push ourselves to the limits, our bodies will pay the price. A bible study I was recently taking part in covered this topic and challenged me to think of rest in this way: What if we switch our mindset on how we rest? Instead of working to our limits and then resting, we can rest first and then work from our rest. Author Jennifer Dukes Lee states, “We were designed to rest first, so that our work can flow out of our rest.” We see this example in the Bible with Adam and Eve. God created Adam and Eve on day six of Creation and then they rested on day seven. The first humans rested before they ever had a day of work! Spiritual Rest While it is important to have physical rest for our bodies and minds, it is also important to have spiritual rest for our souls. A few years ago God gave me this acrostic when it comes to spiritual rest. This is an easy way for me to remember how to REST in Christ: R - Resist the desire to be in control E - Escape to a quiet place to be alone with God S - Sit, be still, and listen to God T - Talk to God By taking time to rest in Christ, we unplug from the busyness of this world just to connect with Him. This is more than our quiet time each day. This is a time to intentionally shut out distractions, sit in His presence, share the deep desires, and hurts on our hearts, and receive from Him what He wants to speak to us about. We have to be intentional to create a quiet space for this to happen. It is in the stillness we hear God’s voice! On my retreat this weekend, I was able to get away from all the tasks of ministry, voices of others, and responsibilities. I unplugged from social media and emails. I was able to get physical rest that I needed as well as spiritual rest. God is always pursuing us and speaking to us. Sometimes we can’t hear Him or recognize His work in our lives because we are too caught up with the demands of life. I encourage you to take inventory of your life and begin to recognize where life has been controlling you. Don’t get so caught up in the “here and now” that you miss what God is wanting to do in and through you. The next time you feel God pulling you away to a quiet place, go! He has something He wants to tell you. The more we choose to accept His invitation, the more intimate our relationship with Him will be. The invitation is always open, will you accept it? ABOUT THE AUTHOR Karen is married to Scott Blanchard, pastor of Lakepointe Church, and moved from Florida to Michigan in the summer of 2009 to plant Lakepointe Church in Shelby Township. She enjoys mentoring and discipling women and also leads women’s life groups through her church. She is passionate about helping women find their purpose in who God created them to be. She is on staff at Lakepointe Church and loves being part of what God is doing in the Metro Detroit area! #DECEMBER22

by Seth Springs WATERFORD, MI – The Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) family is a diverse one. Across our network you will find churches of different sizes, ages, models, and ethnicities. But, with all our differences, the Gospel is greater, and continues to move us forward together. One Gospel-infused word that we often hear this time of year is the word “incarnation.” And, no matter our church’s size, age, model, or ethnicity, the Incarnation has serious implications for our ministry. While you won’t find the word incarnation anywhere in your Bible, the Latin verb incarno means “to become,” and this perfectly describes what we see prophesied throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled by Jesus in the New. As John writes in his Gospel, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14). Jesus came for us by becoming one of us. Out of love for us and a desire to please the Father, Jesus felt what it was like to be hungry, to be thirsty, to be tempted, to lose a friend, to be betrayed, and to die. I love the way Paul describes this great act of love in Philippians 2:5-8… Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. Did you notice how the Apostle started his poem? “Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.” The incarnation speaks to the way we live. The incarnation speaks to the way we interact with our brothers and sisters in Christ. And, whether we’re a new church or an established church, whether we call ourselves missional or attractional, the incarnation speaks to how we relate with those who are yet to experience this Gospel reality for themselves. There is plenty of room in our network for the missional church and for the attractional church, but what could happen in our state if every church adopted the same attitude as Christ Jesus and became an incarnational church? What kind of life-change could we see if each church asked the question, “How are we strategically placing ourselves within our community this Christmas season” and planned accordingly? Every church can become a neighbor. Every church can put on flesh and minister to those within arm’s reach. Every church can empty itself, assume the form of a servant, and make a Gospel difference in its community. As pastors and ministry leaders, we set the pace. Here are a few ideas of how families in every church, no matter size or model, can live incarnationally this Christmas season: Deliver Christmas treats to the few homes around you. (You may even include a handwritten note expressing your care for them.) Invite a neighbor over for a holiday dinner during the month of December. (Biblical hospitality opens the door for great conversations!) Volunteer at a Holiday Event already happening in your city. (It’s not too late to jump in and you’ll be surprised how much a couple extra volunteers means to those organizing the event.) No matter your church’s size or shape may the incarnation speak to the way we do ministry this Christmas and beyond. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Seth Springs started Transformation Church Waterford four years ago after moving from North Carolina. He and his wife, Taylor have been married for 9 years and have 3 crazy, beautiful children, Layla (6), “D” (3), and Lily Joy (3). #DECEMBER22

by Angela Wells PORTAGE, MI – Have you ever heard of a paper pregnancy? My husband and I have experienced it twice! Our paper pregnancies consisted of almost ten months of filling out papers, filing papers, getting stickers on papers, and waiting on other people to push papers through the proper channels so we could adopt two children. Although different from what we experience during the Advent season leading up to Christmas, it was still a time of waiting for the coming: the coming home of two beautiful daughters. Much like the Christmas season, this time in our lives was filled with contradictory feelings and events. There was the joy of seeing a baby’s face for the first time and then the second time stumbling across it on the internet and thinking, “There is my daughter!” This was quickly followed by the sorrow of knowing where she was, but not being with her. There was the peace from God knowing the financial burden would be met and the turmoil from knowing that the next set of papers brought a fee we could not pay. There was the satisfaction of dotting i’s and crossing t’s and the frustration when a caseworker said, “You are doing things too quickly; slow down.” The longest part of our process was about forty-five days waiting for our Letter of Acceptance from our daughter’s birth country. During this time, there is nothing to do but WAIT (and refresh email 1000 times per day). There are no social worker visits to endure, no plane tickets to buy, no fingerprints to take, and no wondering who your child will be. There is only waiting for the coming of this letter. Although there was a stillness in the wait, there was chaos in my mind and spirit about what was coming. As I drove around for work, I listened to the news. There was yet another story about a country across the world making nuclear threats. Countries were on alert, trying to negotiate, and taking precautions. All I could think was that we would be flying right into the battle zone to pick up our daughter. My thoughts were spiraling during the 4-mile drive to my next school. I admit I was not praying, simply worrying, entertaining the thousand “What if’’s” in my mind. The Lord was so kind to me in this moment of not waiting well. His voice exploded over the airwaves and He asked me, “Would you lay down your life for this child?” Only by His grace could I say, “Yes, Lord” and immediate peace followed. On this day, Jesus’ voice was so clear. He had given the purpose, provision, and protection for us to go get our daughter and to Him goes the glory. I have not found myself in such a dramatic season of waiting recently, but actually each day I live is spent waiting for His coming. When I do not look to Him, I live in contradictions: yearning to see His face and praying He will tarry; wanting Him to administer justice and asking Him to give mercy; being still to know and going to all the world. In Him, though, the waiting is simple and straightforward: wait in strength, wait in hope, wait patiently, wait wholly, and wait actively (Ps. 27:14, 33:20, 40:1, 130:5, Matthew 24:42). He is asking you like He asked me, “Will you lay down your life? Will you take up your cross?” During the wait, every day, every moment. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Angela Wells is the wife of Chad, pastor of FBC-Portage. You can read about how God worked during their adoptions on her long-neglected blog praiseandfireworks.wordpress.com. These days you can find her caring for a family of 7, working as a speech-language therapist, and taking much-needed Sunday naps. #DECEMBER22

by David Thompson NASHVILLE, TN – There really is something about Mary. Mary was about to marry a man named Joseph, and suddenly found herself expecting a child. Yet she had never known a man intimately. It was her response to the angel that is almost as miraculous as what was happening to her. Let us remember that nothing like this had ever happened before—and surely has not since. Her response to this news is so classic and yet so timely and yet so perfect. Also keep in mind, Mary was just your everyday teenager that wanted to get married and have a family. But now her plans have been altered, immediately, drastically, unbelievably—ahh. But she does believe it! And her response is amazingly and overwhelmingly overlooked in most narratives and homilies concerning the incarnation of Jesus. Jesus—the co-creator, eternal, self-existent, second member of the Trinity, Son of God and Deity Incarnate! (That Jesus) What would you have said if given such life altering news? The Good news is that this was Good News to her and guess what—Mary nailed it! Here is Mary’s truly amazing response, “Behold—the bond slave of the Lord…be it done to me according to your word.” WOW! Mary got it right! (Some versions have it as the handmaiden of the Lord). In essence, Mary is acknowledging her relationship to her Lord. She is saying simply…I am your slave! A what? A Slave! Mary could not have known that no one in the 21st century would be a fan of that word. But her Son would. In fact, Jesus was a fan of the word when he noted, “Whoever commits sin is the slave of sin.” This young virgin named Mary understood that— she knew that she could be a slave to her selfish desires…Or whatever she wanted in life…Or she could completely and utterly surrender all that she was to all that God is. Now, in my own personal estimation, that’s exactly what it means to be in Christ and for Christ to be in you. So, here’s the rub, in a world where NO ONE and I mean NO ONE wants to be a slave!!! Absolutely everyone and I mean everyone is in fact a SLAVE! How do we know? Pretty simple really— we are all sinners. The proof is that we do two things…we cast a shadow (something angels don’t do) and we die! The facts are the facts—the proof is in the pudding—and of all people, Bob Dylan got it right when he wrote the song—“Gotta Serve Somebody”. The lyrics are simply—“you gotta serve somebody…it may be the devil, or it may be the Lord—but you gotta serve somebody.” So, in a world where everyone thinks they are always right and it seems almost no one is mostly right, let us take a cue from a young Hebrew girl, and let us for once in our lives say, “Lord Jesus—I totally and completely surrender everything to you…in essence…(I am yours)…And no one else’s. You see dear friend, God loves you just like you are and not like you ought to be. He understands all there is known and unknown about you. Yet he made you to enjoy life (by way of) your surrendered relationship to Him. Don’t be afraid to follow Mary’s example—trust Jesus unequivocally…give yourself completely without reservation to Him. Jesus will take it from there. He will make something so beautiful with the crumbs you give up. You will be amazed! And you will never, ever, ever regret it! 'Tis the season! Just try Jesus! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. David L. Thompson holds an undergraduate degree from Belmont University in Psychology and Religion, a graduate degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Education, and a doctorate in Counseling and Pastoral Psychology. He has served as a chairman of the Church Planting Group and Executive Committee Chair at the North American Mission Board for 10 years. He has been a Police Chaplain since 1991 and served as a Corporate Chaplain to the Coca Cola Bottling Company in Nashville, Tennessee where he resides with his wife. He has six children and five grandsons. #DECEMBER22

by Jason Livvix OSCODA, MI – 'Tis the season to be jolly, fa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra! This is from one of my favorite Christmas movies, “A Christmas Story”. While the movie is full of silly humor it gives us the reality of what Christmas is all about to most people. I just want this material item that will make me happy. We know Christmas is much more than that. I want to encourage you to take advantage of the season. There are two things I want to encourage you to do. 1. Tell others the reason for the season. I know this is the “Sunday School” answer but there is not a better time of year than this to tell people about Jesus. If you are praying for someone for salvation, take them a small gift and then explain to them the gift of salvation. Wherever you happen to be, workplace, holiday gathering, even shopping, and a conversation comes up about Christmas, chime in and let them know about the real reason for the season. It may surprise you how many people might not know the real meaning of Christmas. 2. I encourage the Church to celebrate the Christmas season. At Fresh Start Fellowship we have a variety show. Some people sing Christmas songs, some read poems, we have comedy, and most importantly we have fellowship while giving praise to Jesus for the greatest gift of all, salvation. If you are thinking you don’t have enough people, just know that we have been very small in numbers some years, but it has always been encouraging and it is a great time to invite a friend. It has been a good way to get a spouse that does not come or a friend that is unsure about coming to church to rub shoulders with the church in the building and have fun. Each year I play the Charlie Brown Christmas scene where Linus explains the real reason for the season and then we take some time to pray for our community and the year to come. I will leave you with this. I am reminded each time I go on a mission trip to a third world country that material things are really not that important. I have been in homes where the roof does not keep all parts of the house dry, and it has a dirt floor. The walls are rough sawn wood, and the size is that of my shed out back. The family barely fits in the dry part to sleep, each is grateful that they have some kind of shelter at all. Despite everything, they have an attitude of gratitude for salvation and they understand that with it they have everything. They can look past the lack of physical possessions to that of eternal position. With Jesus they have hope, not for wealth or stuff, but for promises of His Word and eternity itself. Let this Christmas be the one where we forget about commercialism and get back to what Christmas is all about; sharing the greatest gift of all time, the Good News of Jesus. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pastor Jason Livvix is the Planter/Pastor of Fresh Start Fellowship of Oscoda since 2013. Serving with his beautiful wife Tracy and their four wonderful children, Madeline, Wyatt, Joel and Sophia. The oldest three have moved back to Illinois where he's from originally. #DECEMBER22

by Brent Leatherwood Earlier this month, I had the privilege of traveling to multiple state conventions as they hosted their annual meetings. To say it was a joy to be with our SBC pastors and leaders in person is an understatement. There is something to be said about being in the same room with these brothers and sisters with whom we’ve linked arms for the purpose of the Great Commission. Two months ago, the trustees of our entity turned over the reins to me as president of the ERLC. Since that time, I have been busy calling and connecting with pastors from all across the country to––first and foremost––listen to their ideas, challenges, and experiences. In doing so, I believe this foundational work ensures that the ERLC will be able to keep speaking from our churches, just as it has since its inception. The ERLC is an institution that dates back over a century, and it belongs to Baptists––the pastor, the minister, and the individual in the pew who faithfully and sacrificially gives to the Cooperative Program. But this heart isn’t unique to me. It comes directly from our mission statement. The ERLC exists to speak with and assist our churches in understanding the moral demands of the gospel and, at the same time, to speak from our churches about the pressing policy issues that we all face in the public square. This includes issues such as the dignity of life, religious freedom, protection of conscience rights, the sanctity of marriage as God has defined it, and the defense of human dignity. This ensures that, even as we work alongside a number of partners and peers in our work, we’ll continue speaking with a thoroughly Baptist voice about the issues important to the SBC. What matters most As we reconstitute and rebuild this team, I know that if my vision for the ERLC is not aligned with what our churches actually need right now, it won’t work. So as new staff members are brought aboard, new initiatives are designed, and new resources are created, know that each of these steps are undertaken so our entity is fashioned in such a way as to address the feedback we are receiving from our churches. One thing that will not change is our ministry assignment; one that we are privileged to carry out. This specific task has been given to us by our convention, so that means where our churches have spoken, this Commission will also speak without wavering. This is vital because a deep, abiding, and consistent voice of moral clarity is needed in the confusing times we find ourselves in. That’s what will set us apart. While there are other organizations in this space with competing motivations, this ministry will be firmly rooted in Scripture and guided by our Baptist Faith and Message. What’s next? It’s natural to wonder: What will this new version of the ERLC look like, and what comes next? There will be many updates to come on that front. I’m eager to tell our churches more in the weeks and months ahead. The best way to stay informed is by joining us at ERLC.com/updates. Signing up for email updates allows you to hear directly from us about our work and ways we are serving you on the issues that matter most to Southern Baptists. You’ll learn about our advocacy in our nation’s capital, exciting new partnerships with our state conventions, and the ways we are working across the SBC with our sister entities. As we move forward in this next chapter, know that our churches are first in our hearts and at the top of our minds. We are taking each next step with a Mark 10:44 mindset: to be a servant of all. I cannot wait to hear from you and be alongside you as we take the gospel to a chaotic public square that is in desperate need of the hope and peace that can only be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brent Leatherwood is the president of the Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. #DECEMBER22

by Jane Rodgers FORT MYERS BEACH, FL – One Hurricane Ian survivor found dealing with the pressures of the storm and the storms of life almost unbearable … until she spoke with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief chaplains at Fort Myers Beach. Fort Myers Beach, an oceanfront community on Estero Island—an insular strip in the Gulf of Mexico some 16 miles south of the city of Fort Myers—was a thriving vacation spot before Ian hit in late September. On Saturday morning, Oct. 22, SBTC DR chaplain Lowell Warren of Mexia, director of missions for the Bi-Stone Association, arrived to serve survivors. He learned from the county sheriff’s department that Estero Island would be closed to outsiders for two days, beginning Monday, Oct. 24, so that major cleanup operations could occur. Homeowners who elected to leave Sunday evening would not be permitted to cross the bridge from the mainland to access their damaged property until Oct. 26. By order of local, state, and federal authorities, the only people allowed on the island for two days, besides residents already there, would be city contractors, first responders, health care workers, recovery workers, Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel, and representatives from other social service agencies, Warren said. Then FEMA officials recognized needs among the survivors that even the most helpful social service providers could not meet. A ‘high demand’ for prayer “There was such a high demand for prayer. People were asking, ‘Is there anyone here who could pray with me?’” Warren said he learned from the FEMA representative, who asked the chaplain if the Southern Baptists would establish a spiritual counseling presence at Fort Myers Beach, both during the two-day restricted period and after. It was a deal no chaplain could refuse. “He asked us to be available to provide spiritual guidance to people who are struggling to make some sense of what life looks like for them after the storm. He asked us to be here to pray for those who come in seeking prayer and encouragement,” Warren said. Five SBTC DR chaplains set up a table with Bibles and tracts in Spanish and English and began praying and talking with survivors at the FEMA site on Fort Myers Beach on Oct. 24. “They aren’t handing out tracts and Bibles, but they are making them available for people to pick up,” said Sue Robinson, a SBTC DR administrative volunteer from Huntsville who is onsite at McGregor Baptist in Fort Myers. “We expect to stay here as long as needed,” Warren said. “People are very receptive. The fields are white unto harvest,” he added, noting that the chaplains talked to 25 people on Oct. 24 and prayed with 15, supplying Bibles and tracts to all who asked. They prayed with struggling first responders, survivors, and even agency personnel. They also spoke with Paula (name changed), who came into the FEMA tent after speaking with chaplain Colin Hext, a retired firefighter. Another fireman had brought Paula to meet Hext, saying, “I need you to talk to this lady.” “[Paula] was ready to give up,” Warren said. “She had even thought about ending her life. She said she had stood on her fourth-floor balcony contemplating suicide.” Chaplains learned that Paula was a believer. “Life had just been dumping on her before the storm,” Warren said. After visiting with several chaplains for a while, Paula recalled the joy of her salvation. “I would start a Scripture and she would finish it,” Warren said. “The Lord started bringing it back. All of the stuff going on in her life she just couldn’t handle anymore. The Holy Spirit took control. She left with a sparkle in her eye and hope in her heart.” Paula agreed to return to pray with the chaplains the following day and as often afterward as needed. FEMA has requested chaplains in the past during other disasters, SBTC DR Director Scottie Stice said. But DR chaplains were busy even before the FEMA request. Warren told of meeting Pat Marchan, a Fort Myers Beach resident and joyful Christian who proudly displayed a devotional book miraculously preserved from her flooded home. The book had comforted Marchan following the death of her son six years before. Its survival without any water damage reminded her that God had protected her family although all else was destroyed. Recovery work goes on Disaster relief work continues in Florida as Southern Baptist teams from across the nation serve. After preparing more than 73,000 meals distributed by the Texas division of the Salvation Army, the SBTC DR mass feeding unit operating out of McGregor Baptist in Fort Myers ceased operations begun nearly three weeks ago, on Oct. 4. “Yesterday [Oct. 23], the final meal count for the day was 1,950,” Stice said. A quick response kitchen unit manned by Dee and Doug Cates of Pampa is serving DR workers housed at McGregor Baptist in Fort Myers, as are shower and laundry units from Calvary Baptist in Beaumont, Arkansas DR, and Florida DR, Robinson said. Some 100 families from McGregor Baptist were directly impacted by Ian, Robinson said. “They’ve lost homes and roofs; some have been displaced. Even though it’s a large church, 100 families is a significant number.” Even so, “this church has just opened their arms to everybody. It’s just been amazing,” she added. SBTC DR teams have joined other SBDR crews to help with the massive clean-up efforts needed after the storm. Volunteers are committing to two-week stints. Among these, Mike Phillips led an SBTC DR chainsaw and recovery team from First Baptist Bellville. David Dean continues to direct a recovery team from First Baptist Pflugerville while a team from Spring Baptist Church under the leadership of Bill Zaffos is also working out of McGregor, Robinson said. To date, SBTC DR volunteers served 754 volunteer days and contributed 7,054 hours of service, rotating in and out of Florida, doing a variety of tasks from feeding to mud out to chainsaw work to chaplaincy, Stice said. Other state Baptist DR teams involved in Florida have included California, Arizona, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas Baptist Men, Stice confirmed, adding that additional teams from Hawaii, Mississippi, and Kansas/Nebraska are expected the week of Oct. 31. Donations for Hurricane Ian relief efforts can be made here. #NOVEMBER22

by Jerome Taylor BURTON, MI – I’m about to admit something awkward. It may not be easy to digest so you have your warning now. There are portions of Scripture that I have had a tendency to gloss over from time to time. At points in my life, they seemed rather pointless. This seems quite strange since all of Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be complete and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17). So how is it that certain segments of Scripture can be so easily dismissed in their importance during certain points of our lives. I submit for me; this was due to a lack of understanding the immense kindness God shared through his providence of true brothers and sisters in Christ. Take Romans 16 for a prime example. The apostle Paul, in writing to the church at Rome under the authoritative direction of the Holy Spirit, writes of the glorious gift of the gospel with such passion and purpose. But in this same letter, he mentions no less than 28 people for whom he is thankful in how they have played a significant role in his life and ministry. Some of these have no other introduction or narrative in the unfolding revelation of Scripture than here. This is not the only place you can find mention of people who have been influential instruments of grace in the mission of the church, some named and others not so much. However, in our case and for the sake of brevity I only point to Romans 16. God has used this and other often dismissed lists of names in the Bible to remind me of a gracious and glorious treasure we all may call to mind as reasons for thankfulness. We have been granted the gift of brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the past, now in the present, and in the days the Lord is pleased to provide us for the future. As I type this article, my mind recalls those who have been instructive, encouraging, and formative in my conversion, discipleship, and ministry. I am also amazed that in the last 9 years of my pilgrimage within the land of Michigan, God has brought alongside a band of brothers that I honestly don’t know how I could have persevered without their prayer, edification, co-labor, and shaping. And I would not do justice by attempting the full list today, but I am no less grateful for each of you. Think about the people you can thank God for and in your remembrance of them in prayer (Philippians 1:3), be renewed in encouragement towards the Lord Jesus who has brought people into your life so that the good work began in you would be brought to completion. Then, seek the Lord’s help for you to be that same person in the life of another. You may not ever have your name recorded on some semi-significant list for all posterity. If not, you are just as valued by the Lord Jesus and can be used by His grace to be influential and memorable to those whose good He means to cultivate by your brotherhood or sisterhood. Be blessed my brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ for whom I am so thankful. Let us labor on together by His grace, through His gospel, and for His glory. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jerome Taylor is the pastor of Eastgate Baptist Church, Burton. He is the husband of Melinda and father of Abigail, Jackson, Hannah, and Naomi. He is the current Recording Secretary for the BSCM, a leader in the Genesee Baptist Association, the Michigan trustee for Gateway Seminary, and a Past President of the BSCM (2016-2018). #NOVEMBER22