E-Flash From Dan, Dec. 19, 2007

Dear E-Flash Friends;

This is what I’ve learned, so far, this week:


1) In the Chinese Christian church there is a traditional belief that, at least one of the three Magi who visited baby Jesus, was Chinese, an astrologer who lived during the Han Dynasty named Liu Shang.

2) The more people say “Happy Holidays”, the more I want to say “Merry Christmas”. I’m finding that I, sort of, feel a tiny little bit of sadness when people don’t say “Merry Christmas”.

3) Most problems that lead people to counselors involve issues of love and, therefore, love will be central to the cure.

4) A theological position, regarding end times, known as amillennialism has been the most commonly held view throughout church history. Previously, I had been led to believe that it was not a very commonly held view. (Fascinating, huh?)

Well, I’ve learned a few other things, too, but I sense attention spans beginning to wane.

It has been a hectic week for me, and as I’ve talked to others, I sense that’s true for many of you, as well. But I wanted to send a quick message to remind all of us about something very important.

Love God and love others.

I realize you already know that and you’ve heard it before, but I thought a reminder might be helpful. In the busyness of the next week and half or so, let’s try not to forget what’s most important. Let’s try not to let the truth and the beauty and the reality of love get lost in the shuffle. Love God and love others.

Say “I love you” often—and really mean it. And, by the way, if those words feel a little uncomfortable or if people get suspicious when you say them, that’s alright—there are worse things that could happen.

I, also, want to remind you that we will have Christmas services on Sunday morning, Dec. 23rd at 9 and 11 am. The message topic will be: Several Responses To Baby Jesus. How did Herod respond to the news of Jesus? How did the Wise Men respond to Jesus? How did the shepherds respond to Jesus? We’ll ponder these questions and think about our own response.

A great service is planned and our kids will be singing in the services, too, so that’s always fun.

We will have a completely different service on Christmas Eve at 9 o’clock in the evening. The message for that service will be: “Christmas, God Gets Personal”. Yes, I’m biased, but, we have a terrific service planned for that night, too. Really. It will be worth it.

I’m hoping you can make it to both services. And I’m hoping that you might be able to think of someone you can invite. This is a great season and it’s a great time to share the most important story of all time.

So, Happy Holida…wait a minute, Merry Christmas! And I love you.

Dan Marler



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