This is the time of year for Christmas families: when individuals or organizations select needy families and surround their empty Christmas trees with gifts.

You can be such a gift giver, and even a recipient, at St. Matthew this year.

Over the next 4 weeks, and finally at Christmas, we will be making special gift-distributions on Sundays and Wednesdays. The gifts we’re gifting will do more than bring smiles to faces; they’ll instill joy in heavy hearts. They’ll say “you’re loved” to those mistreated and neglected. They’ll deliver relief to restless spirits.

You’ve probably guessed what these gifts are: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace . . .” (Galatians 5:22). These are the gifts the Holy Spirit graciously distributes to us in worship and the Word, and that we offer freely to anyone who joins us.

Starting this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday December 1st and 2nd, and each Wednesday after (in both the morning and evening), these special distributions of divine love, joy and peace will take place. Plan on coming, and keep a look out for “a Christmas family” who might “have everything” but still lack the gifts that truly make Christmas, Christmas.

This Coming Weekend: December 1st (5:30 PM) and December 2nd (9:00 AM).
Christ Comes, Bearing Hope.
Jesus came and still comes to fill us with hope, even when there’s nothing to hope for.
Special worship music provided by Branches Band.

Happy gift giving, and gift receiving!

Pastor Jon Kuske