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Dear Shiloh Family,

It was just a paper sack. We called it a brown paper poke. There was no colored wrapper, bow, or tape; nope, it was simply folded from the top in one-inch creases. Many of todays generation would push it out of the way or simply ignore its plain, ugly appearance. However, that simple bag was highly anticipated and much appreciated every Christmas.

The contents of the paper container were quaint, inexpensive, and corny (literally). Our annual Christmas gift was placed under the tree and presented to us after the traditional nativity play. We would tear into it with great enthusiasm as if surprise would be the end result, knowing that the treasure would be the same as the previous year. There would be an apple, an orange, one peppermint candy cane, a few mixed nuts (one of which I still cant identify), three or four chocolate drops (white iced teardrops covered with chocolate), and if we were lucky, a few kernels of candy corn (probably left over from Halloween). And we were as grateful as if it were a new Nintendo Switch - mainly because we had never heard of video games.

1 Corinthians 4:5: 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God. NKJV

What could have possibly generated such joy in a group of children through such meager commodities? Maybe, it was the hidden content, the unseen care, or the intangible gifts that even immature hearts recognized. Yes, it was the love that flowed through gentle hands as the pokes were stuffed with goodies; it was the passion that carefully doled out each item equally for each child, and it was vision of the potential impact on each participant. Though we didnt find anything of true value in our paper sack, those precious ladies saw something in us, and we saw something in their investment in our lives.

Likewise, God saw more in me than an empty, bland, useless vessel. He saw something in me that could be of worth. With love and compassion the Holy Spirit introduced me to Jesus and filled me with his love. Now, its not what you see that matters; its who lives in me that makes the difference.

Galations 2:20-21: 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. NKJV

Shiloh, you are making a difference in so many lives. Your investment in the ministries of our church and in the personal lives of others is generating joy in the hearts of our community. Folks are seeing more than just a lighthouse or a little building on the hill. They are noticing your love, compassion, and vision for Gods plan and potential for their families.

I submit a special, heartfelt thanks for all who made our Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner such a success. I am grateful to all who participated in any way, from setup/teardown to dinner on the table; it was incredible.

This Sunday, December 15 will be our childrens Christmas play. Please, come invest in our children and support those who worked with our kids to make it possible.

Next Sunday, December 22 is our Birthday for Jesus celebration. We will be celebrating his birthday and presenting a special birthday offering. Get excited and teach our younguns to give with a joyful heart.

For those of you who enjoy the early service, thank you for allowing us to combine our Sunday morning services the past two weeks. We will resume our normal 8:30 and 11:00 AM services on December 22.

The appearance of the clam can never reveal the beauty of the pearl inside, nor the toil required to make it.

God bless you all, 
Pastor Derrell