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Dear Shiloh Family,

Allow me to make you smile.  Last Wednesday, I gave the annual Candy Cane Christmas devotion to our AWANA children and staff.  I was talking about how the candy cane resembled a shepherd's crook, and how the shepherd used it to guide, rescue, and protect the sheep.  I was alluding to how our good shepherd uses the crook to save us from troubled waters and even leads us to still waters.  I posed the question, "Why are still waters important to the sheep?"

A little dude to my left had been intently listening as his older peers answered one question after another.  Finally! He was down with this one.  His hand rocketed skyward, his eyes bulged, and his bottom bounce off the seat.  This was his answer, and he knew it.  I motioned his way and all eyes and ears were dialed in on his channel.  He had the floor. 

"Ok, big guy; tell us about sheep and still waters."With pride and enthusiasm, he exploded, "Ooh, Ooh, because when you steal water, it is rude!"

As you can imagine, the adults (and the children who understood) erupted in laughter.  I simply replied, "You are right buddy; Jesus doesnt like it when we steal water from his sheep."

One of my favorite things about Christmas is how it initiates laughter in the hearts of many.  We are told how a merry heart is like medicine in our lives. The Psalmist said it like this;

Psalm 126:2-3: 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."  3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.  NKJV

Your babies and grandbabies may not get everything exactly right about Christmas and how they perceive it, but one thing they can fully comprehend; We can and should smile and be joyful about God's perfect gift to us.  We should be just as jovial, even hilarious about our giving to Him and to others as well.  

2 Corinthians 9:7-8:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. NKJV

As a matter of fact, this Sunday will be the perfect opportunity to participate and teach the ministry of giving to our families.  Sunday, we will be giving a special birthday offering for Jesus.  Let's get the entire family involved.  Come, help us celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A birthday party without gifts is just a social gathering.  

God bless you all, 
Pastor Derrell