THE BACK DOOR GOD

I hope you're keeping your eyes on the newspapers and your ears finely tuned to those stations that focus on Sam's Picture celebrity in our world. The "Mockingjay" entry in the "Hunger Games" movie series is the top money earner two weeks in a row and its star, Jennifer Lawrence, can sing and has a new album out. Angelina Jolie (who, did you hear, is married to Brad Pitt) directed "Unbroken" and will probably be nominated for an Oscar. Prince William and Duchess Kate are visiting in New York, Giancarlo Stanton signed a contract for $325 million to play baseball for the Miami Marlins for the next thirteen years, and the Kardashians are the Kardashians. It's a lot to keep up with. Especially now, in the middle of the holidays, we have a lot to keep up with.

I'm busy and you're busy. Our calendars are full and all of a sudden there are only three Sundays left in the year and sixteen shopping days before Christmas (if one counts Sundays). So how do we handle all of this?

Perhaps the German theologian Helmut Theilecke had it right and had the best insight. He observed that in coming to Bethlehem; in coming to a little back-water town to a couple of nondescript young people; in proclaiming the news first to lonely shepherds, God chose to enter the world "through the back door."

We get that, don't we? We know all about the front door, the door of honor and acclaim, the door of prestige and privilege. But the back door, the dark and hidden one, the one that no one sees? The German preacher encourages us to keep an eye on that door during the holidays. There might be a surprise there.

Great truths and great people do not always enter through the front. They do not always come with fanfare, parade floats, and "Hail to the Chief." Truth will not necessarily come from a gold dome or a White House. It will not always wear a new suit or dress and its language might well not always be precise. It will not always be young and beautiful, wealthy and educated.

Granted, front-door entry is among our highest aspirations. But the preacher got it right. This God is a God of great surprises. Stay ready. Keep the candles ready. And watch the back door.

I'll see you this Sunday.

News

Longest Night Worship will take place on Thursday, December 18 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. This is a service of hope for those who struggle with grief or other sadness during the Christmas season. A reception will follow the service. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Celebrate the season with your Power 45! friends! Scott, Meredith and Ryan McKee are hosting a Power 45! Christmas party on Sunday, December 14 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Enjoy pizza, holiday goodies, games, and ornament making. There will also be a book exchange, so bring an inexpensive, age appropriate book to share. Friends are welcome! RSVP to Georgia Rambo at georgiarambo@mariettafumc.org,

Save the Date! Our 2015 Women's Retreat at Serenbe will be Friday and Saturday, February 6-7. Registration will open in January. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826).

Fuse Basketball. Sign up now for this popular sport. It does fill up! We have a new floor and revamped guidelines to help children learn the necessary skills to become good basketball players. Ages 3K (3 by September 1, 2014) thru 5th grade are eligible to play; teams are separated by age and grade. Practice and games take place on Sunday afternoons from January 11 to February 22, skipping February 15. Visit www.mariettafumc.org for more information. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Web site, which includes the latest news about projects with photos to show our progress. There, you will also find information about how to donate or make your pledge.

This Week

Deck the Halls. Bring your children to the Fuse Box this Saturday, December 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and get some shopping done! The children will make Christmas keepsakes and watch a Christmas movie, and the cost is only $10 per child! Nursery is also available. Please send a lunch with no nut products for the children to enjoy during the movie. RSVP by Tuesday, December 9 to kellyduncan@mariettafumc.org.

Christmas Traditions is this Sunday, December 14 1at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This family friendly concert is offered by our church's Drama and Music Ministries. Nursery provided. Come and sing our favorite Christmas carols together. No tickets are required. A reception will follow. (Arie Motschman, ext. 7818)

The annual Youth Progressive Dinner is this Sunday, December 14 from 5:30-8 p.m. Please bring a gift for the Gift Exchange Game. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Church Family Supper will return in January!

Church Family Supper is served in the Family Life Hall at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

Save the Date

Deck the Halls!

Saturday, December 13

Christmas Offering

Sundays, December 14 and 21

Christmas Eve,

Wednesday, December 24

Christmas Traditions

Sunday, December 14