Merry Christmas!
Thank you for allowing me the privilege and opportunity to share my thoughts and insights with you throughout the year. I hope the emails have both challenged and encouraged you. It is my heartfelt prayer that you and your family will have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year, filled with all the joy and love that emanates from our Lord Jesus.

The season of Christmas is about splendid expectations; a time when God surprised and exceeded our expectations by sending us His Son. For me, Christmas is a prime time to reevaluate my expectations. Has life become so predictable and routine that I have unconsciously downsized by expectations to match my current circumstance? Our life should be layered in God-induced expectations of a brighter future and a more certain outcome because we are trusting in God. David said,

“My soul, wait silently for God alone,
for my expectation is from Him.”
Psalm 62:5

As Proverbs states, “The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish” (Proverbs. 10:28). When our expectations are set by God, they will be met by God producing joy and peace. Christmas reminds us we have a hope and a future and it is wrapped up in the babe in the manger who is now The King on His throne.

For our two special Christmas Eve services here at Trinity (3pm & 5pm) the theme that evening will be expectations. I expect you to be there.

Just a thought,
Carl

Life is full of many surprises; some are welcome and some are not. Welcome surprises are an unexpected bonus or cash gift, a call from an old friend, or a surprise invitation to a special event. Christmas is the best time for surprises. The Christmas story includes angels making surprise announcements to shepherds, wise men and Mary. Kings and potentates were surprised by the events surrounding the first Christmas. Mankind was surprised with the gift of God’s only begotten Son. Are you open to surprise this Christmas season? Serendipitous moments can spring up and surprise you at any time with joy or with disappointment. These moments seem more highlighted around the Christmas season. Just remember: even when surprises that may occur are disappointing, nothing takes God by surprise. He is never caught off guard. When Mary questioned the angels’ message about the miraculous conception and birth of God’s Holy Son, she asked, “How can this be? I am a virgin.” The angel responded, “For with God, nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). God is not limited by your circumstances, but your circumstances are limited to God’s sovereign power and divine blessing upon you this Christmas season. Yes, my friend, you have reason to rejoice, for with God, the impossible becomes possible.
This weekend, in our series, “Christmas Unwrapped”, I’ll be speaking about the surprises of life. Hope you can make it.
Merry Christmas,
Carl

Christmas Unwrapped II- Lifes Greatest Moments from TrinityChurchLBK on Vimeo.

What are some of life’s greatest moments? Here are just a few: finishing school, getting married, having children, starting your dream job, or getting your first big prayer request answered. Nonetheless, some of life’s greatest moments are the simple blessings of life that happen in the moment. How about-Sleeping in on a rainy day; Kissing your spouse for the first time; Finding money you didn’t know you had; Receiving a real letter or package via the postal service; Sharing a funny or interesting story; Hearing the right song at the right moment; Smelling a familiar smell; Having a good laugh; The feel you get after a hardy workout; Receiving and giving a compliment; Holding hands with someone you love-Great moments need to be realized and taken in.

In our weekend message “Christmas Unwrapped” we’ll be talking about Life’s Greatest Moments and examining the story of the Shepherds and their angelic visitation in Luke chapter two. Life’s greatest moments can’t be scheduled; they require our attention and have the potential to change our lives. To me these are the storylines of the Christmas story. Hope to see you this weekend or catch the message online at www.trinitytoday.com. Merry Christmas!

Just a thought,
Carl