“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us – so that our way may be known on the earth, your salvation among all nations” Psalm 67:1-2

Christmas is a time when we reflect on Jesus, our Savior, being born into this world as a baby. On the night of His birth, shepherds were in the fields, watching over their flock. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people”. (Luke 2:10). Note, the angel said “all people”. Jesus was the fulfillment of promises and prophesies throughout Scripture promising a Savior for the world – where “all people” could be saved and come to the knowledge of His truth. God loves us, and desires a personal relationship with each and every one of us.

Dunwoody Baptist is becoming more diverse, and more reflective of the community we serve. At present, we have 37 nations represented at DBC. This is very exciting, and also Biblical. The apostle John says it this way: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the lamb”. (Revelation 7:9). What we are seeing at DBC now is a glimpse of what we will experience once we get to Heaven and it is awesome! Through the birth of Jesus, we have an opportunity to share His salvation with a diverse community, in obedience to His plan for the world. For me, this makes Christmas much more meaningful, and hopefully, for you, too!

By Todd Buechter

In the Bible it reads, “there was no room at the Inn.” Joseph and Mary traveled a long way from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This took many days. Can you imagine traveling by mule? Can you imagine the discomfort in traveling while pregnant? And yet with obedience Mary and Joseph did just that to be properly counted in the census. When they arrived there were no accommodations for them. Consider their distress. Where will they sleep? How will they care for the mule? Where will the baby be born? How can it be there is no room for them? They were told to come to this place. How can it be the city cannot accommodate the people you told to come? And so they went from place to place looking for space for themselves (Luke 2:7). Indeed space was available for them in a stable. While, surely not what they imagined, and yet the place God chose for them. And so let us be reminded; God’s House is never full. There is room for us all with Jesus. No one is too late to find space in the Body of Christ. No one is ‘too much’ or ‘not enough’ to connect with God. All are welcome to be part of God’s Kingdom. The Word reads, “do not be troubled…there are many rooms in my Father’s House.” (John 14:1-3)

By Nicole Morgan

Children have been anticipating this day for weeks. They have anxiously awaiting the visit from Santa Claus. They have been giddy with anticipation to what Santa will bring. They were actively seeking each day, each moment to get closer to this day, Christmas. You too, were likely anticipating Christmas. Looking forward to the food, anticipating visits from family and friends. Actively preparing for the day by buying groceries and completing home decorations. Are you prepared to refresh of your spirit? Are you actively commemorating Christ’s birth? Will you take a moment to contemplate what having Jesus in your life truly means to you? Are you focused on things eternal? Take time to focus on the birth of Christ and God’s love for you (John 3:16). Take a quiet moment to contemplate as Mary did about the wonder of Jesus (Luke 2:19).

by Nicole Morgan