December 12th, 2019

​Christmas is a time not only to celebrate God’s amazing entrance into the human race, but it’s also a time to cherish that race as He did by embracing that part of humanity closest to us, our family. When it came to this aspect of the Christmas season, my Mom got it. Now she went home to be with the Lord nineteen years ago but her love for her family which came through in her passion for them during these days of advent left an indelible mark on all our lives. When it came to Christmas, Mom left me more than memories, she left a legacy.
 
Recently I have been pondering the difference between memories and legacy. The memories we leave simply are those mental video clips and audio sound bites we loaded into the minds of those who knew us. I have fond memories of many individuals who had very little real impact in my life. Those would include my sports heroes and other celebrities whose public activities provided some entertaining moments of respite from the daily grind. Casual acquaintances with whom I exchanged pleasantries probably fit here too; great memories but very little life impact. But recollections of my Mom’s Yule tide zeal go far beyond mere warmhearted reminiscences.
 
The leaving of a legacy is more than mere mental imagery. It is the substantial difference we make in the life of another. Mom’s annual Christmas excursions impacted our lives such that we were changed. Mom is one of just a handful of people God used to dramatically reshape the course of my life. And I thank Him for all of them, seeking to emulate their faithfulness to those I hold dear, because I want to leave a legacy, not just cheerful memories.
 
One of the great aspects of Christmas is that it brings a ray of light and hope amidst some of the many dark realities of life in this fallen world. The holiday is a reminder of God’s generous and selfless love for each and every one of us. So no matter what we’ve been through or who we’ve lost or what setbacks we’ve experienced, we’re loved deeply and well by our Heavenly Father. Indeed the truth of this season is that in our utter hopelessness God intervened with the ultimate gift of ultimate hope, the Savior, our Lord Jesus the Messiah.
 
As parents we try to teach our children in this time the joy of giving and the virtue of generosity as higher and better than selfish gain. One of the problems for our children is their desire to get the goodies all the time, never engaging the harsh realities we all face in this sin-marred world. One of the problems for adults is that they have so fully engaged the harsh realities that they fail to embrace the light and hope that is God’s intervention in human lives.
 
Are you leaving a legacy, or just memories? And what about Christmas; do you treasure your little portion of the human race the way God cherishes you? You see that was the key to Mom’s legacy. Nowhere else did the depth of her love for her family come through more clearly than at Christmas. So slow down this December; enjoy all the festivities and such; but most of all dial in on your family. If you’re blessed with senior family members be thankful for their stories because there’s no telling how many more Decembers you’ll have with them. If you’re blessed with little ones be as generous with Jesus’ love as you are with the multitude of gifts. If you’re alone this Christmas then take some time to intentionally, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1Pet 5:7). Then look for opportunities to be generous in sharing your eternal hope with others.
 
Yours for making disciples of our Lord Jesus,
Pastor Bill

We invite you to participate in activities at the Evangelical Free Church of Yucca Valley where we encourage a multi-generational community of followers of Jesus Christ. There is something for everyone.
Join us Christmas Eve, Tuesday December 24 at 7pm for our Candlelight Service! This ia a wonderful time to bring your guests and relatives to hear the real message of Christmas.

Weelkly Activities in December:
SUNDAY
9 am             
Adult Sunday School  
10 am           
Join us for fellowship, coffee and snacks !
10:30 am    
Worship Service 10:30 am

Regular weekday activities will be on Christmas break until the new year.

For DECEMBER ONLY:
Women and Girls Gathering Sat. Dec 14th, 2 pm at the home of Janis C

Men's Breakfast and Bible Study  December 21st 7:30 am

Tuesday, December 24th, 7 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Join us!
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See weekly bulletin
 
For additional information call the church office:
​Mon-Thurs, 10 am - 2 pm -  760 228-1747

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