Take a moment and consider how truly blessed each of us are - even in the midst of a pandemic. Sit down, take a piece of paper, and write down all the many ways that God is blessing you and moving in your life. Look at the words of the hymn "Count Your Blessings" - and "name them one by one."

Compare our situation in 2020 to that of our grandparents and great grandparents - they went through World War I in 1916-1918, Spanish Flu Pandemic in 1918-1919, Great Depression from 1929 until the late 1930's, World War II from 1945-1949, etc. Say a word of prayer of thanks to God, again, on how blessed we are and how fortunate we have had it in comparison to prior generations. Quite frankly, being asked to wear a mask, or having to change our holiday activities, or maining a six feet social distance, pales in comparison to what was faced by the "greatest generation" in going through the Great Depression and fighting World War II.

If you are not able to gather together in large family gatherings in 2020, then take time to visit with family members via Facetime, Skype, Zoom, Teams, or other interconnecting technology. Use social media to connect. Send texts, emails, and make phone calls. While it may not be the same, God has given us multiple technologies to connect together. Let's use them in creative ways to gather as families and friends in these days.

As far as as our church, we are staying connected via Facebook Live streaming, weekly videos, Flocknote messaging, email list serves, Zoom, and creative use of other technologies. This year, we will be distributing an online Advent devotional guide that will have Bible studies, devotions, family studies, and extra material. It can be accessed by computer, smart phones, iPads, or other devices. Materials can also be copied.

During the Advent and Christmas season, we have the extraordinary opportunity to share the Good News of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. Our church will be participating in the Lottie Moon Christmas Mission Offering for International Missions, Toys for Kids financial donation, Prison Fellowship Angel Tree (see above), the WMU backpack project for local school children, and other Christmas outreach. Become involved in supporting these mission projects designed to give of ourselves in Christian love and compassion, in the name of the name of the Babe of Bethlehem, to others. Take time to share the Good News of Jesus with someone who is unsaved and unchurched during this season.

Choose someone in the church family or in your neighborhood who may be shut-in, or who may not have much family living locally, and make an effort to make their holiday season special. There are any number acts of Christian love and compassion that can be shared to show that they are loved - and in doing so, you are acting in the name of Jesus Christ.