he joy of the season is showing in lots of places. Lights and wreaths and sale signs are all parts of the collage of our current lives. The energy level surrounding current events is at an all time high. People who were "too busy" before have somehow found the time to shop, go to programs at school and church, and send out a few cards. With all this fun comes the drain on the rest of our lives and the issues we still must deal with. Many find that the added pressure on finances and relationships make the weeks around Christmas a tough time. Psychologists are quick to point out that the season often brings some people to a crisis point in their lives.

Last Sunday at Hillside we looked at both the human and Godly sides of the miracle in Bethlehem. It 's easy to read the story of Jesus' birth and miss the human side of the equation and the stress of the first Christmas. Though the coming birth of the Messiah was a wondrous thing for Mary and Joseph if brought with it some real complications. They were having a first child under very trying circumstances. Mary didn't have the comfort of loving relatives or familiar surroundings. Joseph was under constant pressure to keep her safe and move at God's direction with no other help. Fear was always there. Herod, the king, was busy doing all he could to find and eliminate this "New King". We can identify with this new family and their angst. In human terms the world was against them.

The good news in this story comes directly from the eternal God of heaven. No matter what calamity may have fallen upon them or what danger was in their path the Lord provided what they needed when they needed it. Satan and all his resources could not prevent Jesus' birth. His plans failed miserably. God's plan to bring the Savior was executed perfectly in every detail. We can learn from this simplest of examples that He really is in control and that we need to trust Him with our lives as well. We can praise Him for His provision for us through the holidays regardless of how hopeless things may look in human terms.

Last Sunday evening we were blessed by the presentation of the "Stranger in the Manger". This program brought by our children and youth was full good scripture and music. A large crowd was on hand to share the event with visitors and relatives. We are very thankful for the work the sponsors and children did to make the evening an excellent experience.

This Wednesday we will form several groups and go caroling to shut-ins at 6:00 pm. This is our opportunity to share the wonderful music of Christmas with those who need it most. After caroling we will meet at the church for fellowship and some good soup and chili.

We are looking forward to our annual Christmas Eve service at 6:30 on the 24th. This brief intimate gathering helps us focus on the personal thing the birth of the Savior really is to Christians. It is a meaningful time that everyone enjoys. All are welcome.