I've felt it on my heart these past few days to write all of you and express my gratitude and thanksgiving.
We're part of a "nativity scene church." As Christians, we have the freedom to decide which church body we want to be a part of. There are literally thousands of churches around that you could attend and participate in, but you chose our body Saranac. Our church in Saranac doesn't produce the most glamourous productions, we don't have the highest steeple, the pastor doesn't have a vast bank of experience and sometimes it may seem as if we're functioning on a week to week basis. Instead of choosing a church that does everything for you, you chose a church that needs you to be hands-on. This is exactly how God chose to introduce Christ into the world. Christ wasn't born in a palace with nurses or servants, Mary didn't have the luxuries of comfort, and for Christ sake, she had donkeys watching her give birth. Did somebody say "uncomfortable?" This is how God chose to work. He used a rough and humble beginning to initiate his powerful movement of love. Likewise for Saranac, God is using a small band of Christ-followers who are full of His Spirit to accomplish His work. He's using a hodge-podge of people that are dependent on His Spirit for strength, guidance, and longevity. We are a "nativity scene church" because God is initiating his powerful movement of love through meek and humble beginnings.
Historically speaking, the church never referred to a service or a production; the church was in reference to a group of people who were filled with God's Spirit and centered on becoming more like Christ (being disciples/students). My hope is that our church would remain consistent with this understanding of church. I pray that we would focus our attention more on developing people rather than producing services. I pray that our LifeGroups would be ministry and community hubs that challenge and teach and heal people who are on a journey with Christ. I pray that we could continue to be the church in a manner worthy of God's favor.
If being a "nativity scene church" means that we're consistent with the church of the Bible, then write my name down and sign me up! And although our beginnings are humble, this is what and who I believe we are. This is why I'm thankful. This is a long awaited answer to prayer for Kelly and I. I hope you all know how thankful I am to be the church alongside you. From the deepest place in my heart, I want to express our families gratitude for the blessing that you've brought us in this church.
May Christ continue to be glorified, exemplified, embodied, reflected, and shared by our church body in Saranac and beyond. May the celebration of His birth pour an abundance of joy into your hearts this season. May your families be enriched and may you remember the words of the LORD when he says, "Be still, and know that I am God."
Have a truly Merry Christmas!!!!!!
