Dear Church Family Members,
Christmas this year will once again be very different for many of us due to the changes of 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic still impacts our lives, and while vaccinations and boosters have made a difference, the crisis is not over. At the same time, our church is in the middle of a pastoral transition.
Yet the promises of God remain sure and steadfast. The familiar Scripture passages of the Christmas story contain many themes, including: “Do not be afraid” (or the more emphatic translation “Fear not”). The shepherds as well as Mary, Joseph, and Zechariah all needed this reassurance from the angels.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news
that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in a town of David a
Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).
Our trust in God is one way to manage fear. During Advent we focus on the waiting time before Christmas. It is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus which shows God’s love for us. We hope you will be able to attend the traditional Christmas Eve service of scriptures, carols, and candles. We will gather on Friday, December 24th at 7 pm in the Sanctuary.
If you would like to give a special financial gift to the church in honor of Christ’s birth, please use the envelope enclosed in a letter sent to you and mail to First Baptist Church 493 Main St., Malden, MA. 02148 or if you attend the services in church, you can place your gift in the offering plate near the entrance door to the Sanctuary.
May Christ be born again into each of your hearts this Christmas season.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests”. (Luke: 2:14)
Fear not, and Merry Christmas!
Michael Huddy
Moderator
Christmas 2019
Dear Church Family Members,
We find the wonderful meaning of Christmas summarized in John 3:16 -“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Elsewhere in John’s gospel, Jesus proclaims that He is:
“the light of the world” for all who live in spiritual darkness
“the way” when we lose our sense of direction in life and need guidance
“the truth” when we question or doubt our beliefs and need reassurance
“the resurrection and the life” when we complete our earthly journey and need salvation
Imagine what your life would be like if Jesus had not come to earth! The Babe of Bethlehem, the Christ Child, is the most precious gift any of us can ever receive. While we often try to match or adequately compensate for other gifts we receive, the gift of Jesus is one that can never be matched nor repaid, only graciously and joyously accepted. And through this acceptance, we try to emulate Christ in our daily living – being a reflection of His light and His love to others, so that those living in darkness may come to know Him as their friend and savior, as well.
I invite all of you to join us on Tuesday, December 24th at 7:00 p.m. for a Christmas Eve service with scriptures, carols and candles. A special Christmas Offering envelope is enclosed in the letter sent to you if you wish to provide a financial gift to the church at this time in honor of Jesus’ birth.
As we send cards, sing carols, light candles, enjoy the aroma and taste of special foods, and exchange gifts this season, may we do so in the spirit of Jesus Christ – who came so that we may have life, not only on this earth but for eternity.
Merry Christmas!
Rev. Martha Dominy
Pastor
Christmas 2017
Merry Christmas …. Feliz Navidad …. Mele Kalikimaka …. Joyeux Noël …. Shèngdàn jié Kuàilè …. Maligayang Pasko …. Kiristumas Valttukkal …. Meli Keuliseumaseu …. Jwaye Nwel …. Merisa Krisamasa
Dear Members and Friends,
The above greeting represents a sample of the native languages of our church family members and those who share space in our buildings. At this time of year, no matter how the greeting is pronounced, the message is the same – wishes of happiness and cheer at the commemoration of our Savior’s birth.
This Christmas, we will once again celebrate God’s greatest gift to us – Jesus Christ. I invite and encourage you to participate in as many of the activities, as you are able. Of special note are the following:
Sunday, December 10 5:00 p.m. The 74th Annual Festival of Carols
We will host singers from the greater Malden community as they blend their voices to present a program of special holiday music. This year’s program will include special music in the native languages of members of Global Ark Baptist (Korean) and First Nepali Baptist (Nepali) Churches.
Sunday, December 24 11:00 a.m. Christmas Sunday Worship
The Sanctuary will be fully decorated with beautiful poinsettias, and the outer ring of candles in the Advent wreath will be fully lit.
Sunday, December 24 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
This service of carols and candles will highlight traditions from around the world.
“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
This is good news that needs to be shared, whatever the language! Plan to celebrated Christmas with your church family as we thank God for His wonderful gift of Jesus. An envelope is provided, if you wish to give a special Christmas offering to support the ministry of our diverse congregation.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Martha Dominy
Christmas Letter, 2014
Dear Church Family Members,
We find the wonderful meaning of Christmas summarized in John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Elsewhere in John’s gospel, Jesus proclaims that He is:
- “the light of the world” for all who live in spiritual darkness
- “the way” when we lose our sense of direction in life and need guidance
- “the truth” when we question or doubt our beliefs and need reassurance
- “the resurrection and the life” when we complete our earthly journey and need salvation
Imagine what your life would be like if Jesus had not come to earth! The Babe of Bethlehem, the Christ Child, is the most precious gift any of us can ever receive. While we often try to match or adequately compensate for other gifts receive, the gift of Jesus is one that can never be matched nor repaid, only graciously and joyously accepted. And through this acceptance, we try to emulate Christ in our daily living – being a reflection of His light and His love to others, so that those living in darkness may come to know Him as their friend and savior, as well.
I invite all of you to join us on Wednesday, December 24th at 7:00 p.m. for a Christmas Eve service with scriptures, carols and candles. A special Christmas offering envelope is provided if you wish to give a financial gift to the church at this time in honor of Jesus’ birth.
As we send cards, sing carols, light candles, enjoy the aroma and taste of special foods, and exchange gifts this season, may we do so in the spirit of Jesus Christ – who came so that we may have life, not only on this earth but for eternity.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Martha Dominy
