Fellowship Link – December 2008

From the President
Luke 2:6-7 “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

What was going through Joseph and Mary’s mind? Why could they find no room? Were they frantic, or did they quietly trust God?

There was God Incarnate. God, the Creator of the universe. God, the One who inhabits eternity. God, whose throne is in Heaven. God, the One who daily hears the praises of the angels. There He is, in a manger, possibly in a cave, barn or room off someone’s home. How can this be? Why didn’t the world welcome its special guest? Why didn’t the people say, “Here, please take my room.” or, “Please, take my home?” There they all were, busy clamoring about, fighting for the last occupancy, all the while, pushing the Christ Child right outside into the cold night. Sadly, nothing has changed.

The holiday that spells His name and is to remember His birth today is filled with commercialism, department stores, massive debt, unruly crowds, greed, and Santa Claus. The world is still crowding Him out. Not many know Him anymore. How sad.

May this not be the case with us. May we welcome Him like the shepherds; may we traverse afar, out of our way to greet Him like the sages; and may we hold Him close to our breast like Simeon. May our hearts and homes always have room for the Savior.

This Christmas, I pray that each of us will know His presence as we give Him His rightful place in our lives. I pray for each of you this Christmas, the excitement of the shepherds, the expectancy of the sages, and the encouragement of Simeon, as you welcome and worship Christ this Christmas.

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

Dan Boyce

Around the FFBC

70th Anniversary Information

This coming Annual Conference we will be celebrating our 70th anniversary. Please send Pastor Glenn Doughty information and pictures of your church. He has sent out two emails requesting information and has received only two responses. Please consider participating in this event.

TSBC News

Winter Weekend I (grade 7-12)

Jan. 16-17

Winter Weekend II (grade 4-8)

Jan. 23-24

Couples Retreat: Feb. 6-7

TSBC Cookbook

TSBC is trying to put together a cookbook of some of the favorite recipes from around the FFBC. All recipes should be submitted to Michelle Jenkins michelle@tristatebiblecamp.org or by mail to 2 River Road, Montague, NJ 07827. We are looking to collect over 150 recipes, so please send your favorite ones in soon. We are looking for recipes for soups, salads, breads, main dishes, side dishes, and deserts. These cookbooks will be made available for purchase after the completion of the book.

 The FFBC LINK is sent electronically or by mail each month to the churches in the FFBC and some interested friends. Any news items should be forwarded to Dan Boyce at boyce@cleaninter.net by the end of the month.