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Change

CHANGE.  It's been said that there is one thing that is here to stay -"change". Seasons change. Plans change. People change. Both political parties promise change --- so does God! It's a new year and if you're like me, you're hoping and praying for positive change!

The question is, will the change you and I experience in this new year be the kind of change we really want and need? It all depends. There are aspects of change that we have control over and other aspects that we do not. Where can I influence change and what is beyond me and outside the realm of my jurisdiction?

We're going to begin the new year with a series entitled, "Real Change". In the context of this potentially life-changing series we will be addressing the following --- What is real change? What is God's part and what is my part in changing me? How do we bring about the kind of change that we personally long for, that others are hungry for and our world is crying out for?

Change is inevitable. Join us and experience real change this year!

Time

TIME. We've all heard or said, "Time flies when you're having fun" or "I just don't have time for that."

Time really is a precious commodity. It's also a great equalizer in that we all get the same amount deposited in our account every day....24 hours. What we do with it is our choice. In fact, what we do with our time is what we do with our lives because our time is our life!

We have time for what we do first. I'm forever grateful to God that He made time for us. The Bible says that when we were utterly helpless, at just the right time Christ came and died for us! (Romans 5:6) Not only did Christ come at a good time in history, he came at exactly the right time according to God's schedule.

He made time for you! Will you make time for Him? Don't let the rush of the holiday activity squeeze Him out of your schedule/life. Be deliberate and make time for Christ this Christmas! Spend time with Him daily. Worship with His family this weekend and bring your family to celebrate Him with us this Christmas Eve. It's time! It's time for some of your family and friends to come to know the Christ of Christmas. Now is the time of God's favor! (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Party

PARTY. Would you agree that there are more parties around the holidays than any other time of year? This past week would certainly be proof of that in my life. 



On Tuesday we had a Christmas lunch party for all our Midwest based staff. Later that day, the Campus Pastor's made cookies, decorated them, went out caroling and gave plates of cookies to those we graced with our fine singing. (Don't miss Christmas Eve!!)



Wednesday evening was our Elder Christmas party with our infamous, annual white elephant gift exchange. 



Thursday and Friday, Julie and I partied with our Campus Pastors and their wives. (Check out Seth's blog: http://mcrae.wordpress.com)



On Sunday evening we gathered at my parent's home for our family Christmas celebration with food, candle lighting, singing, gifts...we had it all, including my Dad reading the Christmas story from Luke's gospel.



Luke 2:10 (NIV) But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 



This may surprise some of you, but God is into parties.(Luke 15: 22-24) God Himself likes to party! He is constantly throwing parties. The Bible says that God throws a party every time a single person puts their faith in Jesus and turns from their sin. All of heaven parties with great joy every time someone becomes a part of God's family! Let's give God and His angels reason to party non-stop this Christmas.

Christmas Stories...What's yours?

I love this time of year! The soft, white snow, homes with tastefully done christmas decorations, the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree in my family room. But most importantly I love that we can celebrate the birth of Christ, every year, freely without persecution! This year at Crossroads we are celebrating not only the story of Christ but your story! I would love to hear from you how Christ has radically changed your life.

Here is a list of our campuses and their Christmas Eve service times:

Illinois

Freeport Campus

Wednesday, Dec. 24 | 3:00, 5:00, & 7:00 PM

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White Pines Campus

Wednesday, Dec. 24 | 6:00 PM

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Jo Daviess Campus

Wednesday, Dec. 24 | 5:00 PM

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Wisconsin

Monroe Campus

Wednesday, Dec. 24 | 5:30 PM

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Colorado

Northern Range Campus

Wednesday, Dec. 24 | 3:00 & 5:00 PM

Google Map

Faithful

FAITHFUL. What comes to your mind...or should I say, who comes to mind when you hear the word "faithful"? I would have to say a number of people, including many of you who faithfully read this, give, serve and live your life for the audience of One. Thank you!



The One who tops the list for me when the word "faithful" is mentioned is God Himself. It's actually one of His names (REV. 19:11). He's faithful to forgive (1 JOHN 1:9), faithful to protect (2 THES. 3:3), faithful to provide (PHIL. 4:9), faithful to finish the good work He begins in us (PHIL. 1:6). In fact, He's "faithful" even when we're not because He cannot disown Himself. (2 TIM. 2:3)



Everything God does flows out of who He is! For example...His creation. Yesterday, Julie and I flew to Chicago from Denver and took a bus from O'Hare to Rockford. As we were riding along, and the snow was falling, she commented about how "faithful" He is to bring the seasons year after year.



What's the point? In the midst of change and economic uncertainty, there is still someone who can be counted on. His name is Jesus. He is the reason for the seasons. Remember that when the sun comes up tomorrow.

Guest Blog: Seth McRae

I want to encourage you to read a guest entry today from our newest Campus Pastor, Seth McRae. Seth and his wife Holli joined our team less than four months ago and they’re already making waves…and the headlines, in Monroe, Wisconsin! Way to lead Seth! I’m incredibly proud of you and your team!

When it comes to impacting and changing the world around us it all starts with…simple, radical kindness.  The Bible puts it this way “kindness leads to repentance.”  I got to tell you it’s such a blessing to beable to minister alongside a campus of friends, volunteers, leaders that seem to just get it…by living out the radical kindness and love that Jesus first showed to us.  Maybe no better example of this was found this past weekend as so many people came together with the common goal of just loving on…and blessing our community. From the volunteers on Saturday that cleaned, repaired and helped to fix up the Green County Food Bank….to the 2,500 lbs. of food collected…to the crew that put together and gave out 11 Thanksgiving Baskets…to my friends that braved the cold on Monday to help keep those in the Food Bank line warmed up with hot drinks.  What a weekend!  May we never tire of being a “greenlight” to this area…knowing that these simple acts are leaving a ripple effect in the lives of so many.

PS – Attached a few photos from the most recent news article, SERVE Monroe Day, and our most recent staging.