Establish clear expectations for the entire family.  So often everyone has a different expectation for what should happen.  Extended family obligations are often filled with expectations that drain the Christmas spirit out of you.  Do yourself a favor and say "no."

Set priorities!  There is no way you can do everything, so something is going to have to give.  Make sure you set your priorities based on what you want to accomplish, not what others expect you to do.

Set limitations!  This is almost the same as setting priorities, except that here you simply set boundaries that you won't cross.  For example, we won't spend more than a set amount of money on presents; we won't allow non-family parties to cut into family time; we won't put secular celebrations before our church and Christ-centered celebrations.

Don't be afraid to create new traditions that embrace the true celebration of Christmas. So often our traditions become more important than the One we remember in celebration.  Give yourself the freedom to do it differently, and bring back the true spirit of Christmas.

Turn your attention toward others.  Consider giving a Christmas gift to a needy family or a missionary.  Look outside of yourself.

Don't compete with others to see who has the most beautiful house, tree, wrapped presents, food, etc.  It's not about competition, it's about Christ.

Above all else (repeat it over and over again):  "Christ-mas".  It is the celebration of Christ, the Son of God who came into this world to be the sacrifice for our sins.  He is the guest of honor and the focus of the celebration.  He is the love of God put forth into this world so that we can have hope for a life after this.  He is the reason we celebrate.

 

In His Service,

 

Joel Walters,

Senior Pastor
 
 

What comes to mind when you think of Christmas?

I think of the scent of Mom's hot apple cider, remembering my children placing baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas day, hunting the fields with my PaPaw, siblings and cousins for the 'perfect' Christmas tree.  I also remember hearing my daddy read the Christmas story, and neighborhood friends acting out the birth of Jesus in our basement with bathrobes, towels, and tree garland as costumes....more

 

We are pleased to announce that Eric Tagg will be joining the ministry team at Grace as Worship Leader.  Eric is a gifted musician, song writer and worship leader.  He has both a servant's heart and shepherd's skill to lead.  Eric complements the mission of Grace as he is committed to using his musical gifts to train others in worship.  Eric says, "Worship is contagious when it comes from a pure heart; remaining Biblically faithful, relationship centered and outreach oriented."
 
Eric grew up in a musical family, with his father serving as the music director at a church in Dallas.  He has a very diverse background in many types of music, from classical cantatas and traditional music to contemporary music and styles such as jazz and pop.  He plays the piano, keyboard, flute, guitar, dulcimer and bass.
 
Eric worked as a professional musician and singer for over 20 years, having produced over 400 songs and 5 CD's.  Most recently, Eric served as Worship leader in Richardson, where he was able to thrive in a church environment and further develop his skill leading a worship team. 

Worship is his passion, as he expresses in his own words "I have an unbridled passion for worship, from my head to my toes.  One church-goer recently told me that if I was ever silenced, the very stones would cry out.  I reflect on Psalm 27:  'One thing have I desired of the lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the lord, and to inquire in his temple.'  There can be nothing finer in my life."
 
Eric and his wife Marja have 2 grown children, and currently live in Greenville.  He will join the Grace team on December 1st and fully assume his role as worship leader on Sunday, January 4, 2009. 

 

972.727.4512 

The following interview was conducted with Eric Tagg.  Eric has been married to Marja for 32 years and has two children.

How did you first meet Christ?
Like thousands, perhaps millions of others in the late 60's and early 70's, I happened across a copy of The Late Great Planet Earth, by Hal Lindsay.  I was impressed that the prophecies of Ezekiel 36-40 and Daniel 8-9 were being fulfilled in our lifetime...more