God's Presence

Asbury had its annual Sing-a-long Christmas program this past Sunday, Dec. 15th.  We have done these in the past; however, this year's really reflected the Christmas spirit.  Oh,the singing was just lovely, the "slides" beautifully done, and the music, well it was Christmas music, so you know it was great.  But the 150 people who attended really sang out with such joy and meaning in their voices; the church really reverberated with celebrating the coming of our Lord Jesus' birth.  This program was presented at 3:00 PM in the afternoon--football games were on TV, Christmas shopping was still on the list of things to do, and just a "lazy" Sunday afternoon were some of the excuses people could have used to stay away from "coming" to church again.  But, they came.  Fun songs (The "Marvelous Christmas Toy" & "The Twelve Days of Christmas" ) were sung with great enthusiasm and laughter; joy should be a  part of  Christian life. Then songs celebrating the "true meaning" of Christmas were sung.  You could hear the reverence and awe in the voices of the people as they sang the story of Christmas;  I think God was pleased with what was heard.  You "heard" the difference in the singing; these songs spoke of the Lord; He was listening; He was in our Sanctuary.  Oh, we are great at seeing God's presence as we bring gifts for the Angel Tree, food and clothing for the needy,or mabye you took the time to cook a meal for those in need.  But sometimes, I think we forget  He is present with us; this program really made you feel like He was "sitting," maybe, next to you.  This is a presence we should feel all the time.  I think Asbury is feeling that kind of presence.  We are changing; growing.  Our worship service and Bible study certainly are leading us in that direction.  We just have to continue down that path and welcome many, many people to come join us.