Christmas Letter 2022
Dear Members, Attendees’ and Supporters of Eden Baptist Church
We are fast approaching the end of 2022 and I’m sure many may have a feeling of “good riddance.” And as it is spoken or shouted there may be a resounding “AMEN” as we say good bye to 2022.
It has been an interesting year at most churches and Eden Baptist is not an exception. We have been able to meet “in person” this year and thankfully, Covid hasn’t impeded us too much although we’ve had cases among our members/attendees. Our natural prayer is that Covid will go away. From a pastor’s point of view I am most pleased with how faithful to the Lord Eden’s people (members & attendees) have been since the beginning of Covid. Certainly, there will be a “crown” involved when the time comes for you faithful souls.
As I pen this short letter my mind can’t help go back to the beginning. I’ve had the privilege to be your pastor since March 5, 1988. Having that role in my life certainly wasn’t something I had ever thought I would do when I completed high school in 1960. Work was on the horizon, but what has often been said, “God has a plan” which only reveals itself as time passes and in retrospect examines one’s life. That was certainly the case for me and in some ways, Kathy. She never expected to be a pastor’s wife but her role along side of me has been a blessing beyond words.
I love the words found in Jeremiah 29:11
Jer 29:11 ESV “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” When I accepted Christ as savior in that college dorm room my freshman year at Washington State Teacher’s College (UMM) I didn’t fully understand what future and hope I would have. The “rest Is history.”
With each of you who has read this letter, those same words of Jeremiah can be applied to your life. Some of you have embraced the plan God has for you and others have rejected God and what He might have in store for you. God’s plan # one is that no one would perish. (Be separated from God in eternity) This is how Peter said it in his letter:
2Pe 3:9 ESV The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (Receive God’s Christmas gift of the Messiah for salvation and when your time comes you get to spend it with Jesus in His Heaven)
As world events continue to unfold, we are getting closer everyday to that time when Jesus will return to set up his kingdom as spoken of in God’s word. Please don’t be on the outside looking in. God’s plan # two was to provide a way for that salvation: One of the greatest announcements for all humanity can be found in God’s word. I know you all know what it is but I want you to read it again here:
Luk 2:8-12 ESV And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
As the season approaches and passes by, I pray you have that personal relationship with Jesus; if not would you pray about having that relationship? He has great plans for you…..
As we are in the season of giving, if any of you wish of provide a gift to Eden Baptist Church, you may do so by sending your gift to Eden Baptist Church, 195 Bay View Drive, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.
Kathy joins me in wishing you the best Merry Christmas ever, and a joyous New Year in service to the LORD in 2023.