Weekly Challenge:
Give-This year, Westside has participated in Operation Thanksgiving Blessing, Operation
Christmas Blessing, and Operation Christmas Child to help spread the Gospel to those families
in need. This week, we want to challenge you to bring that same attitude to those in your circle.
Who do you know who is having a hard time this year? Did they lose their job? Is this their first
Christmas without a loved one? Is there someone you know who is struggling and needs the hopeof Jesus? We want to challenge you this week to bring them a meal, some goodies (I know my family loves passing out baked goods during Christmas), or some other thing to show that you are praying for them and that they are loved by you and loved by God.
Sunday, December 13th
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and
joy in the Holy Spirit – Romans 14:17 (NIV)
This morning, Pastor Jay shared a message on joy. Although it is easy for us to fall into this idea that there is little to be joyful about, we can be reminded about finding Joy in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We can still rejoice because we know whose we are and the love that He has for us. Right now, if you are struggling with not finding joy, know that you are not alone. Many of us are struggling with how the holidays might be different. Maybe you lost a loved one at some point this year, perhaps you had to abandon travel plans to be with family, or maybe you had to forgo a yearly tradition that helps you remember and celebrate Christ. Those feelings are not invalid. But through those feelings, remember to turn to Jesus and rejoice in His presence and in His love.
