We turn our attention at this time of the year to Jesus and his coming into our world. We associate His name as Emmanuel means "God With Us" which is the essence of the "Incarnation" or God taking on a human form.
On Sunday we looked into John 16 to get some important information about the Incarnation. This may be an odd place to go because it is actually from the last hours of Jesus' earthly life. He is explaining about His leaving and the coming of the Holy Spirit. But what we learn about Jesus is very insightful.
Without Christmas we wouldn't have the Cross. Without the Cross we wouldn't have Salvation!
As a Jew, you looked to the Law as the embodiment of righteousness. You would fulfill righteousness by conforming to the Law. The problem is that even though you know what is right and wrong, the Law doesn't give you the power to fulfill it. The Law shows you where you are, but doesn't give you power to change.
With Jesus on the planet He lived the Law and fully abided by it. Beyond that He fulfilled the will of His Father! He charted a new path or standard of righteousness. In Christ, in His person true righteousness is revealed. But there is a downside. The Incarnation of Jesus was also not enough for us to have the power to be righteous. It showed us a higher, perfect, godly standard of righteousness. And in effect, we realize all the more that we don't measure up.
The solution for the power to live righteous is for Christ to take up residence inside of each of His Children. Jesus said it was better if He were to go away...and send the Holy Spirit to live in us! The Holy Spirit then can empower us to be able to live righteously! We still fall short, but it's not impossible...God lives in us and is working on us from the inside-out to make us more like Jesus!
Give Joy to a Prisoner's Kid this Christmas. When mom or dad is in prison, it's the children who do hard time. But you can let them know they are not forgotten. You can give them a gift on behalf of their imprisoned parent and in the name of Jesus.
We are so glad to be a part of the Angel Tree outreach this Christmas season. WE WILL MEET AT 9AM SATURDAY in the CHURCH BASEMENT in order to deliver gifts. We look forward to the deliveries this Christmas season on behalf of their incarcerated parent.
If you can help, contact our church coordinator Pete Anderson by email or cell 562-619-8328.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS PARTY THIS SUNDAY! Sunday December 16th 10:15am Los Altos Grace Basement Our annual celebration of our Jesus with our Children's Ministry. It's a PARTY!
If you signed up to bring cookies, PLEASE have them to the church by 9:30am on Sunday!
Contact Cindi Stone for more info 562-596-3358
CHRISTMAS MUSICAL "His Love Is Reaching"
THIS Sunday, December 16th
10:15am
MISSIONARIES OF THE MONTH- RAY & CHAR HAUSER Serving our US Marines stationed in Hawaii with Cadence Int'l
It was our joy to have Major Michael Smith and family visit with us. The Smith family have participated and been impacted deeply by Ray and Char's ministry. We enjoyed getting to know them more and have captured an audio of what Michael and Kelly shared. Listen In
Special Need: We would like to financially cover the Hauser's Medical Deductible amount needed in January so that Ray can have the cancer treatments that he needs.
If you would like to financially support the ministry of Ray and Char you are welcome to do so through your regular offering, or you can use the Donation button above to do so online!
TLC MINISTRY CHRISTMAS PARTY SUCCESS!
On Saturday evening, we hosted a Christmas party for our TLC ministry families. It was a powerful evening and there were many people gathered. Our speakers, Bob and Pat Mecado shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and our guests were given an opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior. We rejoice that 12 people made first time decisions to accept Jesus, and that 12 more rededicated their lives back to the Lord! Please call or text Vi Griffith to find out more at (562) 822-0952.
NEEDED SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER FOR 1ST/2ND GRADE Beginning December 9th, the First & Second Grace Sunday School Class ( which meets at 9:00AM til 10:00AM) needs a Teacher. We need to fill this spot every other month (Dec, Feb, Apr, June, Aug)...please invest in the next generation of children!
Contact Cindi Stone for info and to volunteer562-596-3358
Listen to Linus share the Christmas Story from Luke 2 in Charlie Brown Christmas
Linus Tells the Meaning of Christmas
MATT VIDOVICH INVITED TO MISSIONS CONF. - URBANA 2012
Matt has been invited to go to the biggest missions conference for college students in the world! The invite comes from Russ East, the Director of Utah Partnerships for Christ has invited him to go and talk with students about the mission field right here in the USA. We would invite any of our students interested in missions to go as well. Check out more about the Urbana Conference online
Matt will have to raise support of $500 to go, so if you can help support him with finances you can make your donation using the button above or by sending a check to the Los Altos Grace Brethren Church with the memo line "Urbana."
BETTY RANK MEMORIAL SERVICE
We just received word that their will be a memorial service for beloved saint Betty Rank on Friday, January 4th at Grace Community Church in Seal Beach. This service will begin at 3pm.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS PARTY THIS SUNDAY! 
It was our joy to have Major Michael Smith and family visit with us. The Smith family have participated and been impacted deeply by Ray and Char's ministry. We enjoyed getting to know them more and have captured an audio of what Michael and Kelly shared. 
Our speakers, Bob and Pat Mecado shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and our guests were given an opportunity to accept Christ as their Savior. We rejoice that 12 people made first time decisions to accept Jesus, and that 12 more rededicated their lives back to the Lord! 
NEEDED SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER FOR 1ST/2ND GRADE 
