Thanks to everyone who came caroling with us at the Golden Living Center! Did you see the joy on so many of those faces?! Many residents were very grateful for our coming. One thanked me for our focus on Christ rather than on Santa. There is no real hope in Santa Claus!

Thank you to Beth and Jill and Marie for helping coordinate, finish the cards, and put together the gifts for the residents! What a lot of time and effort went into this behind the scenes!

The children actually did have time for a lesson as well (Lesson #56)! This week we read about God's choosing a king who would run after Him, a man after His own heart. Despite the fact that he was just a boy who tended sheep, God chose David to replace Saul as king. God doesn't just look at outward appearance, but looks for those that trust Him.

Spend some time this week, either in Long Story Short, or in your Advent reading, discussing what it means to be a person after God's own heart.

Our memory verse this week is Ephesians 3:20-21:

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (ESV)

Don't get caught up in the stress of holiday shopping and activities this week. Keep your eyes on the source of true peace, hope, and joy!