Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, "God with Us."
 
The sun is about to set on the year 2024. As a young child, I remember hearing adults talk about the fact that it seems like the older they become, the faster time passes by. As I have grown from childhood to being a teenager, to young adult, to middle age, I have concluded what I heard - time seems to pass at a faster rate the older I get. The number of memories in my mind grows as I continue to add years to my life. Some memories are positive, and some are not so positive. But some of those positive memories in my mind include people who are no longer here on this earth to fellowship with.
 
From the time I can remember, Christmas Eve and Day included my grandparents. But a time came when that ended, and they were resting in Jesus. That created a hole. I imagine as you read this, your thoughts go to loss. Those losses create holes.
 
Other memories - negative memories - maybe don't create holes but spaces of pain within us. While I have fond memories of my upbringing, as I grew and became more aware of the world we live in, there are those who didn't have the privilege I did in their upbringing, or they have faced pain as they have grown.
 
I share this because I have found that pain or the holes of missing people who are not in our lives become prominent in our hearts and minds during the end-of-year holiday season. While for some, the holiday season is a time of light, for others, darkness can fill the soul.
 
What is the answer? "Immanuel – God with us." The Bible records Christ's words in Matthew 11:28, 29: "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
 
The world seems bent on finding peace through things that cause more pain. Jesus calls us to seek him to fill the holes of missing relationships and mend our internal pain.
 
As Christians, we know that Jesus was most likely born in the fall rather than this time of year. As the world is giving more attention to Christ than it usually would, I pray that we would emphasize Jesus' healing ministry and find it more fully for ourselves.

Lee Rochholz

President

This year on November 16th, the Macon Seventh-day Adventist Church in Macon, Missouri held its annual cookie distribution after potluck.  Members were asked to bring 2 dozen cookies or more to share with fellow church members, missing church members, friends, neighbors, nursing homes, first responders etc. We set up an assembly line and filled up 65 large heaping plates of cookies with a special message that they were from their friends at the Macon Seventh-day Adventist Church.  It’s a wonderful way during the holiday season to reach out and let people know that you appreciate them are thinking about them. With each plate of cookies, members would ask if they could pray with the cookie recipients. Wonderful way to spread joy during the holiday season.

Decemeber 3, 2024 - The 21st annual Live Nativity presented by the Poplar Bluff Seventh-day Adventist church in conjunction with a Christmas community event at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff was a huge success.  Many children marveled at the real baby “Jesus” in the manger. Joseph and Mary along with the shepherds and wise men were there too for the kids to see.  The children especially liked the stuffed animals located in the stable.  Ornaments were given away with the manger scene and “A Savior is Born” message.  Beverly Walker organized the event.  

We're always eager to share the wonderful things happening in your churches. Your stories inspire us all and help keep our community connected. Whether it's a special event, a heartwarming moment, or any experience you'd like to share, we want to feature every church in our future newsletters. Please send your stories and pictures to communication@imsda.org.