By James Lamkin

A Sign Unto You

     Signage is a big deal in the Bible. This is especially true in texts we read during this season. Not signs like, Jerusalem 5 Miles, or Tamar's Tavern; but signs like the words of the Herald Angels in Luke 2.

     According to Luke, the shepherds are out in the fields...abiding. I figure shepherds are professional abiders. Maybe it was a part-time job for poets or professors or other ponderers who needed some time away from people.

     The story then takes a sharp turn. Suddenly, these abiding shepherds become sore afraid shepherds.

     This, sets-up the angels' go-to, well-worn, pick-up line: Fear not or be not afraid.

     I like Parker Palmer's spin on this: "Be not afraid, invites people not to be or become their fears." It is one thing to fear; it is another thing to be afraid.

     There's more. The angels say that something big has happened. It is, "unto you." It is, "this day." It is, "in the city of David." It is, "a savior."

     AND this, "shall be a sign unto you...." What sign? Ah, it will be a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.

     Some sign! Imagine the poor animals coming up to the feed trough for supper, only to leave disappointed.

     But it sets in motion Luke's premise: God hangs-out with people for whom the world has no room; and this kid, from the beginning, incarnates that! Remember, it is in Luke's story where there is "no room in the inn."

     This is the premier signage story of the season.

     God knew the formula: "If you want adults to show up at an event, feature their children." This is true for soccer games and the worship of God. Preachers only learned it 50 years ago.

     Last Sunday, we were blessed by a "sign unto us." Along with the Adult Choir, and the Handbell Choir, both children's choirs sang: the Cherub and the Celestial. We relished this avalanche of music.

     The littlest choir accompanied their singing with signs. Yes, with signs! While parents sighed, the kids held-up fingers, wiggled their hands, and stretched out their arms. All signs. They had peace like a river.

     Not all of the signs were understandable. Some were erratic. Some didn't follow the words. Some seemed to be made-up on the spot.

     I remember thinking, "There may be a future for some of these kids in the sign language business." I thought of Thamsanqa Jantjie, the guy who "interpreted" throughout Nelson Mandela's funeral. Yet, not one hand motion meant anything.

     But, for our kids last Sunday, every motion meant a lot, because each child means a lot to us and to God. They mean JOY. They mean that Gaudete Sunday was in full bloom. They mean that God is not finished with us yet.

     Remember Luke's Christmas formula: a baby, plus some sore-afraid-hasty-ponderers, plus God, equals a divine sign.

     As the gravity of December 25th draws us close, watch for signs. Listen for angels. Spend time with children. Turn aside for music. A sign might come to you.  

2013 Seasons of Advent & Christmas

Northside Drive Baptist Church

4th WEEK of ADVENT - Sunday, December 22

9:30 AM - Advent Combined Adult Church School

11:00 AM - Worship: "Listening to the Light of Love"

Christmas Eve - Saturday, December 24

4:00 PM - Family Vespers

10:30 PM - Lessons, Carols, and Communion

1st Sunday of Christmas - Sunday, December 29

9:30 AM - Advent Combined Adult Church School

11:00 AM - Worship

EPIPHANY SUNDAY - Sunday, January 5

9:30 AM - Regular Church School Classes

11:00 AM - Worship

*Chrismon Pamphlets and Buckner Daily Advent Guides are available in the Narthex and also at www.northsidedrive.org.  

December 8, 15, 22 & 29 @ 9:30 AM

Located in the Art & Soul Room (#202)

     Although a book of prophecy, Isaiah is also one of the most poetic books of the Bible and is read by people throughout the world during the season of Advent. With imagery such as the lion and lamb lying down together, the holy mountain of God, and streams in the desert, the words of Isaiah are woven together with great expectations of the life to come.

     Dr. Karen Massey, Dr. Steve Sheeley, and Rev. Mike Gregg will follow the liturgical calendar and utilize the curriculum Great Expectations: Studies in Isaiah to explore four word pictures in Isaiah: Peace for God's People (Isaiah 2:1-5); Hope for God's People (Isaiah 11:1-10); Joy for God's People (Isaiah 35:1-10); and Promise for God's People (Isaiah 7:10-16).

Wednesdays in 2014 

@ 10:30 AM, in the Conference Room

    We will begin meeting weekly again January 8, 2014, from 10:30-11:30 AM, in the church's Conference Room. We study the texts selected in the Revised Common Lectionary for the next Sunday. Large print editions are available each week and for the upcoming Sunday. Discussion is deep and wide and lively. All are invited.

Dear Church Family,

    Thank you all so much for the love and support you have given my family during the recent passing of my father amongst pending health concerns! The love we have received through cards, meals, emails, texts and hugs have carried us through. The love and time you continue to share with our children has helped them through this as well. Thank you so much for being there for all of us!

    With love and appreciation,

    Jeff & Nicole Harbin

   > You can return your pledge card by "snail mail."

   > You can pick up a pledge card at the door of the church office, fill it out on the spot, and leave it in the envelope on the Business Manager's (Rose Hidlay) door.

   > You can pick up a pledge card in the Narthex, fill it out and drop it in the offering plate (or hand it to an Usher).

   > You can call the church office and ask for Rose (404-237-8621). Tell her your pledge (or even leave her a voice mail).

   > You can e-mail your pledge to Rose at rose@northsidedrive.org .

   > You can pledge via our website (www.northsidedrive.org) by clicking on the "Giving" link on our home page.

SUNDAY, December 22

  9:30 AM - Advent Combined Adult Church School

10:25 AM - Children's Choir Practice

11:00 AM - Morning Worship

  5:00 PM - Northside Drive Ringers

TUESDAY, December 24

  Church/Preschool Offices Closed

  4:00 PM - Family Vespers

10:30 PM - Lessons, Carols & Communion

WEDNESDAY, December 25

  Church/Preschool Offices Closed

THURSDAY, December 26

  Church/Preschool Offices Closed

Every Third Sunday

at 7PM

@ Central City Tavern

The young adults of Northside Drive Baptist Church are invited to listen to the Homebrewed Christianity podcast at homebrewedchristianity.com and share their thoughts over dinner at Central City Tavern on Howell Mill. For more information, contact Mike Gregg at mike@northsidedrive.org. Check the Young Adults event calendar for a full list of dates.