“It’s Time to Rejoice”
BY DR. ROLOUS A. FRAZIER JR., Pastor, St. John Missionary Baptist Church
     During this time of year we must know the real meaning of Christmas. It’s not about Santa Claus, but it’s all about the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the best gift that we can ever receive. History indicates that Mary met an angel that told her she was going to have baby.
     Verse 29 tells us that she was troubled but in verse 30 Gabriel told her not to be afraid, for she found favor with God. She was confused because she had never been with a man. Verse 35 assures us that the Holy Ghost shall come upon us with the power of the highest and he will overshadow us.
     When we get to verses 46-55, Mary begins to rejoice. Many of us feel just like Mary, wanting to rejoice. Mary shows us why we should rejoice.
     I. She’s rejoicing in her personal savior. Verse: 46-48 says my soul doth magnify the Lord. My spirit hath rejoiced in God my savior.
     When we look at Mary’s great heritage and Spiritual experiences.
     A. The line of David
     B. The purity of her life.
     C. Her meeting with Gabriel
     D. Elizabeth’s salvation.
     Even in all this, she still takes her place as one who needs a savior. We all need Jesus and you must know him for yourself.
     II. She rejoices in the personality of their Savior. Verse: 48-53 says that we ought to praise him first for who he is.
     Look at why Mary praised: For his love (vs.48), For his favor, For his might (vs.49), For his mercy (vs.50), For his grace (vs. 52), For his goodness (vs.53).
     III. She rejoices in the promise of God. Verse 54&55 God had helped Israel. God had been merciful to Israel. God had kept his promises to Abraham.
     The main promise was sending Jesus. This is proof that God always keeps his promises.
     Just take a look at the promises of Jesus: 
     A. He would be born of a virgin
     B. He would be born in Bethlehem
     C. He would  die for Sinners
     D. He would rise again
     God promises to never leave us or forsake us and he will supply all of our needs.

Academic Success At Its Best

“Tell us and we will forget, Teach us and we will remember,
Involve us and we WILL learn!”

     ORLANDO - New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Orlando, is a place of worship that not only stands at the corner of Columbia Street and Amaros Avenue but it also rests on a solid foundation where not only spiritual connection is top priority but where the academic achievements of their youth are proudly showcased. It is tradition for New Bethel’s Church School Department to highlight their young people’s educational triumphs and to hold a ceremony that truly focuses on exceptional grade point averages, attendance, community involvement, and superior conduct. This semester New Bethel awarded five of their future leaders for their outstanding academic success. The honorees are Hampton Mack, Ocoee High School 3.1 GPA, Rachel Mack, Ocoee High School 3.2 GPA, Zachary Jackson, Freedom High School 3.4 GPA, Corey Winsley, Eagles Nest Elementary, 3.4 GPA and Terriah Scott, Kingsway Christian Academy4.0 GPA. Congratulations to Zachary Jackson for receiving the BEST Scholarship Award given by Stetson University and its affiliated Universities.

Religious Calendar Events
 
* Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Services Community United Methodist will offer three candlelight Christmas Eve worship services. The times are 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Bring your family and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Community United Methodist Church is located at 4921 S. Highway 17-92; Casselberry, FL 32707. ½ mile north of Highway 436 on Highway 17-92 in Casselberry. For more information call 407-831-3777.

* Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church will be having their “Lord Supper and Baptism Year End Celebration” on December 31, 2008 at 10:00 p.m.  Also they will be hosting their “Bring a Friend Night” on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.  This event will be in conjunction with their SCYM/ AWANA Fellowship nights.
For more information call 407-422-9631 or visit their website at www.sbcorlando.org

*  “Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church” Pastor Terrence Gray is asking everyone to participate in daily prayer, scheduled for 7am, 12pm and 6pm. The Feed My Sheep Ministry is soliciting blankets, socks, toiletries, undergarments and men’s shoes up until January 2009. If you have any questions, please contact Bro. Chris and Sis. Carolyn Rodman at 407-592-9561. Saint Mark Preparatory School Athletic Department is looking for volunteer coaches. The basketball team ranges from kindergarten to 5th grade. If you or anyone you know can be of assistance, please contact Coach Guion at 407-422-6941 ext.18

*  St. John Missionary Baptist Church. St.John will be hosting their “Watchnight” service on Wednesday, December 31 at 10:00 pm. For more information or directions, contact Sis. Debra Davis at 407-422-5725.