Happy New Year

I Am the New Year

I am the new year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.

I am your next chance at the art of living. I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.

All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.

All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have—these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose. I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."

Star of Wonder

Our children presented Star of Wonder – a Christmas play which brought delight and joy to our church family.  They did a super job sharing the true meaning of Christmas.  Thank you to the kids for their faithfulness in practicing and to those who lead them.  Great job everyone!

Prayer Requests

Well here we are the week after Christmas!  How time files!  It is our hope that you had a great Christmas and are eagerly looking forward to a New Year. There are a few prayer request to share with the church family.

• Buddy Starling passed away Christmas Eve.  The services were held yesterday, but your continued prayers for the family are appreciated.
• Norine B. requested prayer for three of her grandchildren who are battling sickness and health problems.
• Georgette R.'s brother in law Mel M. was diagnosed with lung cancer.
• Harry S. is again battling some mouth cancer and will again face surgery.
• Bro. Dave is battling sickness, but is recovering.

May we continue to lift one another up in prayer and express our love through kindness.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!  May the birth of our Savior bring joy, peace and gratitude to all.  He is the Greatest Gift, our Everlasting Lord, our Messiah and Prince of Peace.  May He reign in your heart and home. 

Verse of the Day

Christmas Quiz

How much do you really know about Christmas?

Our culture has influenced our understanding of the story of the birth of Jesus. A lot of misconceptions have arisen due to this. The more difficult questions help clarify the difference between the original Bible story and modern ideas.

1. The name of the mother of Jesus was:

Martha
Mary
Eve
Deborah

2. Jesus was born in what town?
Jerusalem
Nazareth
Bethlehem
New York

3. Joseph was a:

Carpenter
Doctor
Engineer
Fisherman

4. Why didn’t Joseph and Mary stay at the inn?
It was too expensive
There was no inn
There was no room
None of the above

5. How did Joseph and Mary get to Bethlehem?
Colt
Mary rode a donkey and Joseph walked
wagon
Who knows?

6. After being born, Jesus was placed in a:

Basket
Manger
Pile of hay
On the back of a donkey

7. A manger is a:
stable
feeding trough
wooden table
barn

8. Which animals does the Bible say were housed in the stable?

cows, donkeys, sheep
lions, tigers and bears
goats, sheep and cows
The Bible doesn’t say.

9. From what area were the three kings that visited Jesus?
the west
the east
the orient
none of the above

10. What sign were the shepherds told to look for by the angel?
a lion and a sheep together in peace
a tree with a star on top
a star over Bethlehem
none of the above

11. With what words did the heavenly host of angels praise God?

"Joy to the World, the Lord is Come"
"Glory, Glory, Hallelujah”
“King of Kings and Lord of Lords”
"Glory to God in the highest,"

12. What is frankincense?
a form of gold
an incense from a tree
a jewel
none of the above.
13. What is myrrh?
a musical instrument
a spice used for burial
a valuable wine
none of the above

14. How many wise men came to see Jesus?
One
Two
Three
The Bible doesn’t say

15. What does "wise men" most likely refer to?
lawyers
star gazers.
priests
doctors

16. The wise men met Jesus in a:

manger.
castle.
stable.
house.
17. Who told Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem?

an angel
Caesar Augustus.
Herod
No one told them to go.

18. The child Jesus went to Egypt:
to meet pharaoh
because Joseph was told in a dream to take him
Joseph did not take Jesus to Egypt
none of the above

19. According to the Bible, the little drummer boy met Jesus:
when Jesus was in the manger
at a house
When Jesus was about two years old
none of the above

20. In which books do we find the story of Jesus’ birth
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John

21. December 25th has been celebrated as Christmas since the Bible was written.
True
False

ANSWERS:

1. Mary

2.  Bethlehem 

3. Carpenter

4.  There was no room

5.  We don’t know.  The Bible doesn't say. 

6.  Manger.

7.  Feeding Trough 

8. The Bible doesn't say.

9.  None of the above.  The Bible only talks about the wise (magi) coming to see Jesus.  The Bible never describes them as kings. 

10.  None of the Above Luke 2:12  "And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

11.  Glory to God... 

12.  A valuable incense made from the sap of a tree

13.  A valuable spice sometimes used in burials.

14.  No one knows, but more than one.  Some SUPPOSE that there were three since there were three gifts, but that is just a guess. 

15.  Star Gazers. 

16. House. 

17.  Caesar

18.  Joseph was told in a dream to do it. Augustus

19.  None of the above.  The story of a drummer boy meeting Jesus is not in the Bible.

20.   Matthew and Luke only

21.  False

Caroling This Week

Yesterday at Antioch was a day filled with the beauty of Christmas.  In the morning service, the choir blessed with a beautiful presentation of "The Gift Goes On', where God's Gift of His Son Jesus was shared, adored and passed along.  In the evening service, the children did a wonderful job on the play "Star of Wonder".  Thank you to all who were involved in bringing the true Christmas spirit to life.

On Wednesday night, instead of regular prayer meeting at the church, we will go Christmas caroling!  You are encouraged to meet at the church and be ready to leave at 5:30 PM to visit several of our local shut in members and bring some Christmas cheer to them.  Following the caroling, we will meet at the home of Dave and Kathy B. for some refreshments and fellowship.

A special treat will be for our children to pass out goodie bags to the shut ins. Parents, please bring the children at 4:30 PM and send along a baked treat (cookie, candy etc.).  The children will package the goodie bags and present them while caroling. 

Hope that you will take part in a great opportunity to spread the joy of Christmas!

More Christmas Party Fun

Christmas Funnies

Children's Christmas Dress Rehearsal

There will be a dress rehearsal for the children who are participating in the Children's Christmas Program on Saturday from 2:00 - 5:00 PM.  The children will go over the play in costume and following the practice, there will be a small Christmas party.  Children will be ready for pick up at 5:00 PM.  Parents, you are encouraged to bring a small dessert or finger food for the kids to share at the party.

Christmas Party Fun

What a wonderful time was had last Friday night at the Sunday School Christmas party!  Thank you to all who worked hard to make this an enjoyable evening!

Here is a rousing rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas:

Lots of smiles and fun:

Stay tuned, more coming later this week!!

Worth the Risk

 Worth the risk

God is doing some incredible things in the North African region of Kabylia. Neither Islam nor the heightened level of persecution aimed at believers like Pastor Karim* can stop His desire to bring the Kabyle Berbers to salvation through Jesus Christ. Southern Baptists are privileged to be used by God in this region and to witness the power of the Holy Spirit among this people group. For just $4, Christian workers can buy a New Testament in the Kabyle language. When they read the living Word of God, they are filled with a boldness and strength that comes only from the Lord.

When Karim reads the words of the apostle Paul from his Bible, he identifies with an insight greater than most Christians in the U.S. will ever have. Like Paul, Karim has been beaten, threatened with death and spit upon. He’s witnessed the intense persecution of fellow believers and walked through the ashes and rubble of the building where his church worshipped. Still his faith, and the faith of fellow Christians, remains strong. This is not a church in hiding. This is a church witnessing and evangelizing its own people, even those who persecute them.

For every Bible that’s taken away and burned, they pray that God will provide the means to replace it. Through our faithful giving to Lottie Moon, we provide not only Bibles in the Kabyle language but Christian radio and television programs and an ongoing structure that allows Christian workers to engage Northern African and Middle Eastern peoples.

Sunday School Party

Friday night all adult Sunday School Classes are invited for a time of Christmas fellowship.  We will meet at 6:30 PM in the church fellowship hall and enjoy a meal, fun, games and a gift exchange. You are asked to bring a covered food dish to share and a 'white elephant' gift (something found around the house to share) to exchange.  Children are welcome and there will be great fun for all!

Men On A Journey

Men are invited to "Men On A Journey" which will meet Tuesday mornings at 6:00 AM in the church fellowship hall.  Please see Rex. Mc. for more information. 

Where Does the Money Go?

When we give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, where does the money go?
Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 55 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income.

The "New" Other Half...

A first grade teacher collected old, well-known proverbs. She gave each child in her class the first half of a proverb, and had them come up with the rest. Here are some interesting results:

It's always darkest before... daylight savings time.

Don't bite the hand that... looks dirty.

You can't teach an old dog new... math.

Happy is the bride who... gets all the presents!

A penny saved is... not much.

Children should be seen and not... spanked or grounded.

If at first you don't succeed... get new batteries.

Are You Prepared To Fight?

"The Christian life is a battleground instead of a playground."

Christians face three enemies:
1.  The World - All around us that is opposed to God.
2.  The Flesh - Our old nature inherited from Adam.
3.  The Devil - The enemy of God and all Christians who roams and seeks who he may devour.

Truths To Help Us Walk In In Victory

1.  We Must Know Our Enemy:  Never underestimate the power of the enemy.
2.  We Must Have the Proper Equipment To Fight:  God has provided armor for us to be effective as a soldier of God.  (Ephesians 6:13-147)
3.  We Must Be Energized:  Prayer is the energy that equips us to be in God's strength.  Always pray as we are always subject to temptation. 
4.  We Must Be An Encouragement:  We as Christians are not alone in the battle.  We are soldiers together and should encourage one another.