o someone just looking on from the outside it might look like churches are having lots more meetings now. Their calendars are full of events and cars are always at the building most any time of the day or night. That's really true at Hillside as well. There are many activities here all the time, but especially right now. Many volunteers are at work doing something they believe in.

Because of Jesus Christ and our recognition of His birth everything is high energy and especially meaningful these days. Women's meetings, programs, and worship services have special significance. We place vital importance in these "meetings" because we know that through them people change their minds and hearts about Jesus and His relevance in their lives. Some may respond for the first time in a personal way, while others may rediscover a walk with God they had left behind. God is always looking for the one lost sheep He loves and wants to rescue. It may be that through something we can do or say, perhaps a program or outreach, hearts and lives can be turned toward Him.

Last Sunday in our morning messages we examined the Scriptures to see how unready the world was for Jesus' birth. Mary and Joseph weren't even married yet, the nation of Israel wasn't ready for Messiah, but God sent Christ at exactly the right time for a lost world. The world was full of sin and Jesus was full of grace and truth. Regardless of what creation thought it needed, or understood, God's timing was perfect and his plan flawless. He acted when we were helpless.

Are you ready for Christmas? Are you looking for the gifts in all the wrong places? Look in the manger in Bethlehem. Ready or not, Jesus is here!

We invite you and yours to celebrate His birthday with us in any of our services and programs. You'll be glad you did.