A note from our Pastor

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”  Micah 5:2

This Sunday, the sermon focuses on the little town of Bethlehem and the Innkeeper who many believe shut the door on Joseph and Mary.

Imagine a small town nestled in the Judean hills, far removed from the bustling cities. This is Bethlehem, often described as modest and unassuming. Its significance wouldn’t be immediately apparent to a passerby, yet it plays a crucial role in one of the greatest stories told. Bethlehem, during the time of Jesus’s birth, was a quiet town, but one filled with rich history and prophetic importance. Bethlehem, sometimes called the City of David, is mentioned multiple times throughout the Bible. It is not just notable for being the birthplace of Jesus but also for its connection with King David. In 1 Samuel 16, God instructs the prophet Samuel to anoint David as the future king of Israel right in Bethlehem. This town, though seemingly insignificant, has always been part of God’s greater plan.

During the time of Jesus’s birth, Bethlehem was teeming with travelers due to the census decreed by Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1-3). Joseph and Mary were among these travelers, returning to Joseph’s ancestral home. The streets of Bethlehem would have been crowded, inns filled to capacity, and the air buzzing with the sounds of diverse languages and dialects as people gathered from various regions. Yet, amid this hustle and bustle, there was an undercurrent of anticipation. Prophecies spoke of a Messiah, and for those who believed and waited, Bethlehem was a place of hope and fulfillment. The shepherds tending their flocks nearby were the first to hear the good news from the angels, reminding us that God often reveals His truths to the humble and lowly of heart.

In the midst of these conditions—crowded lodgings and a bustling town—Mary gave birth to Jesus. The Savior of the world came into a humble, unadorned setting—a stable. This scene highlights not only the humility of Christ’s birth but also the profound nature of God’s love and the promise of salvation. Jesus, born in a manger, signifies that He came not for the elite, but for all of humanity. The story of Bethlehem during the time of Jesus’s birth is a powerful reminder of God’s providence and purpose. It teaches us that God’s work often unfolds in unexpected places and through unassuming circumstances. Despite its small size, Bethlehem became the backdrop for a pivotal moment in human history.

The Innkeeper was resourceful and gave what he could give—not a room or even a corner in his already crowded inn, but the stable that demonstrates that the King of the world is at home with the humblest of the humble.

The arrival of the long-expected Messiah stood out in contrast to people’s expectations.
Less prominent than even the lowly shepherds and animals, the innkeeper is neither mentioned by the writers of the gospel nor placed in the scenes that adorn our mantels and tables during Christmas time. Rather, he was and is behind the scenes, humbly and anonymously playing a major part in God’s great plan. He serves as a reminder to us that God uses what we have. Perhaps we should be more like the innkeeper.

We should ask God to give us the compassion of the innkeeper. Even when circumstances indicate that we have used up everything we have to give, give us the courage to stand out in contrast to the status quo.

How can we be like the Innkeeper? When all of the worldly Christmas traditions threaten to fill out lives until no vacancy can be found, let us find a way to let Christ in. Find room for Him this season and all year round. Do something different. Add a new tradition or continue in an old tradition that allows you to take some time to let Christ into your life.

In our own lives, we may sometimes feel like Bethlehem—small and overlooked. Yet, Bethlehem’s story encourages us to trust in God’s plan, knowing that He can bring about great things through us, regardless of our perceived insignificance. Remember each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus. Is there room in your heart for God to write His story?

May the Joy of our Savior surround you this Christmas,
Stephen

A note from our Worship Pastor

Make Room
When I was a kid, my mom and dad took us on a family vacation to Washington D.C. Our first day, we headed North and traversed the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was beautiful, at first that is, but my dad was perhaps a tad bit overly ambitious as to how many miles we could travel in one day. With all of the endless twists and turns of the magnificent Blue Ridge Parkway, I started to get motion sickness in the back seat of the car. After I jettisoned my lunch on the side of the road, we continued on.  We traveled the entire day, mile after mile of endless twisty road and then we finally reached our Day 1 destination, a place called The Peaks of Otter Lodge positioned right on the Parkway. We were all completely drained and beat down tired from the long journey. We were ready for a meal, a hot shower and a warm bed. There was a problem however, my dad had not made a reservation and the lodge was completely full, there was no room for us.

As I pondered that memory and the feeling of rejection and despair of having no where to stay, in the Spirit of this Christmas season, my mind shifted to Mary and Joseph.  Let’s remember the scene. Mary was 9 months pregnant with our Lord Jesus. Caesar Augustus had issued a decree that a census be taken, so everyone had to return to their own town to register, and since Joseph was from the house and line of David, he had to return to Bethlehem. So, Joseph placed Mary on a donkey and they set off to travel the 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Theologians estimate the journey took them 7-10 days over dangerous terrain. Can you imagine how completely and utterly exhausted they must have been when they finally arrived in Bethlehem? How they must have been longing for a hot meal and a warm bed to collapse into. And then, they received the rejecting and devastating news, there was no hot meal, no warm bed, the inn was full. All that could be provided was a smelly animal stall.

The King of glory, who deserved to be born in a palace, instead would be born in the most humble of all places. And after he lived a sinless life for 33 years on this earth, out of obedience to the Father and for the love of all mankind, he willingly laid down his life and became a sin offering, the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world….And even though there was no room for him in the inn on that first Christmas, Father God has made room for all who will simply put their hopes and their trust in his Son, Jesus.

John 14:1-3
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms, if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

So beloved, this Christmas, will you take the time to reflect on the real reason for this season? Will you make room in your heart for the Prince of Peace and the God of Love, Jesus?  I pray that you will.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

Merry Christmas!
I love y’all,
doug

From the beginning of Misty Creek Community Church, we have made it a priority to seek God first in prayer. We have decided to do this collectively as a church in January through 21 Days of Prayer and fasting.

21 Days of Prayer is For You
If you sense God has more for your life, 21 Days of Prayer is a great place to start believing Him for all that He has for you. As you practice seeking Him first, He will move on your behalf like never before. You will start to see the power of prayer impact your relationships, work, family, and every area of your life.

Prayer and Fasting
During the January season of 21 Days of Prayer, we encourage fasting as a spiritual next step that can bring clarity and revelation into your life. You can also choose to fast at other times of the year as you seek God.

Fasting
The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out. It also enables us to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God and prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives. Remember, your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and, most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

Scripture References
• Matthew 6:16-18
• Matthew 9:14-15
• Luke 18:9-14
• Acts 27:33-37
• Nehemiah 9:1-3

We are encouraging folks to do a Soul Fast
This fast is a great option if you do not have much experience fasting food, have health issues that prevent you from fasting food, or if you wish to refocus certain areas of your life that are out of balance. For example, you might choose to stop using social media or watching television for the duration of the fast and then carefully bring that element back into your life in healthy doses at the conclusion of the fast. When you fast you replace what you are fasting from with disciplines to deepen your spirtual connection with God.

The Daniel Fast is a good place to start: https://draxe.com/nutrition/daniel-fast/

Creek Kids 
For nursery age through 5^th grade meets every Sunday in the Misty Creek basement. Children will attend worship with their parents/guardians at 10:30am and will be dismissed during the welcome and announcement time.

Youth Alpha
12/22 will meet at the Streett’s home to watch the movie “The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever.” We will meet from 6:30-8:30. This will be our final Youth Alpha of 2024.

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