In a little over 12 hours theMOVEMENT will hold its' Christmas Service for 2015. As I make my final preparations for the message, though I am excited and anticipating a great service, my mind is also filled with thoughts of doubt and angst.

Questions like: Will the service be well attended? Will my message be impactful? Will people give generously to our Be Generous giving initiative?

Regrets like: We could've done so much more to promote for the service. We should've done Facebook advertising. We didn't create invite cards for our congregation to give to their friends!

Worries like: I'm crossing my fingers that we don't have any major technical difficulties. I pray it doesn't rain too hard. I hope people wear their ugly Christmas sweaters!

STOP.

I MUST NOT ALLOW THESE QUESTIONS, REGRETS, AND WORRIES TO STEAL THE JOY OF THE OPPORTUNITY I'VE BEEN GIVEN!

Tomorrow, a community will gather to celebrate the birth of their Savior! Tomorrow, a congregation will worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! Tomorrow, a collective will hear the life-changing message of the gospel! And I get to participate.

Though I may have fallen short in my preparation. Though I may not have done everything I could've done to ensure a well attended service. Though everything might not turn out like I hoped or planned...

Whether the "house is packed" or whether the attendance is few, tomorrow, I get to play a small part in advancing the Kingdom of God in the city of Oakland!

And this is a blessing, a privilege, and an honor that I do not deserve!

So with a proper perspective change made, I am committed to enjoying being with my church family, worshipping my Lord and Savior, connecting with people who may be visiting for the first time, and preaching like it's the last time I'll ever have to do so!

Here's to a great Christmas Service! Hope to see you there!