Today’s China is a world of rapid change. It is home to 1.3 billion individuals, one-fifth of the world’s population. Village dwellers flock to trendy megacities with exploding populations. And China holds its own in the world’s economy. It is very different from the vast farmland Lottie Moon entered in the 1800s. But one thing hasn’t changed: China’s need for a Savior.

   As shadows cast by cloud and sun Flit o’er the summer grass, So in Thy sight, Almighty One, Earth’s generations pass. And as the years, an endless host, Come swiftly pressing on, The brightest names that earth can boast Just glisten and are gone. Yet doth the stars of Bethlehem shed A lustre pure and sweet; And still it leads, as once it led, To the Messiah’s feet. O Father, may that holy star Grow every year more bright, And send its glorious beams afar To fill the world with light. -William Cullen Bryand (1794-1878)

  There will be a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 11 PM, December 24 at the First Baptist Church of Perryville. Specially selected music will blend with a message from God’s Word, the Bible, to prepare us for celebrating the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth as a baby.

Pastor John Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:18-25

 My Master was so very poor, A manger was His cradling place; So very rich my Master was Kings came from far To gain His grace.

   Little lamb, who made thee?  Dost thou know who made thee, Gave thee life, and bid thee feed by the streams and o’er the mead; gave thee clothing of delight, softest clothing, woolly, bright; gave thee such a tender voice, making all the vales rejoice?  Little lamb, who made thee?  Dost thou know who made thee?

  “Rejoice” will be presented 7pm, Wednesday, December 23 at the First Baptist Church of Perryville.  The program was arranged and orchestrated by Bradley Knight.  It will be directed by Linda Gauger.

 by Chuck Colson Dong Yun Yoon of University City, California, will never forget this Christmas. Two weeks ago, his family was killed when a Marine F-18 Hornet fighter jet lost power and crashed into his home.

   The First Baptist Church of Perryville will be Christmas Caroling on Friday, December 11 to minister to the Perryville area.  We will meet at Perryville Elementary School at 6pm.  Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided afterwards.  Questions?  Call the church office, 410-642-6865.

  by Kenneth S. Hemphill    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Have you ever thought what it might have been like to live in the time of kings and queens and knights? We know little of what it is like to live under a monarchy or “rule of a king” except through history books, novels and popular movies. We do know that the king was absolute ruler and that appropriate “pomp and circumstance” preceded him. Imagine for a moment that you are living in a small village during the rule of a wise and beneficent king. One day it is announced that the […]