Scriptures for
December 23, 2025
• Isaiah 35: 1-10
• Psalm 146: 5 – 10
• James 5: 7-10
• Matthew 11: 2 – 11
SECOND THOUGHTS
Have you ever had second thoughts? Second thoughts about how you deal with relationships, the commitments you made or words you said. Did you say too much or too little? Have you had second thoughts about a move or a purchase you made. How about regrets over periods of your own self- doubt? Doubts that you can finish the challenges set before you. Perhaps you had second thoughts about not acting sooner. You hesitated and opportunities were lost.
Last week’s Gospel (Matthew 3: 1-11), saw John the Baptist urging people to let go of regrets and second thoughts. The Kingdom of God is near, focus on God’s calling in your life, repent, and proceed forward, the Messiah is coming. People responded in large numbers to his message. His confidence in the coming of the Messiah was confirmed when John baptized Jesus and the heavens were opened.
Inspired with Hope, John took his message further and confronted King Herod Antipas about marrying his brother’s wife, Herodias. Herod the Great was King when Jesus was born. His son Herod Antipas ruled when Jesus was condemned to death. The whole Herodian family was steeped in intrigue and betrayal, putting the Kardashians to shame. Antipas himself died in exile as did many members of his family. They had much to regret.
John urged Antipas to rethink the direction his life was taking, the king would have none of it and had John imprisoned. Mark tells us that Herod knew that: “John was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him and like to listen to him, though his words were perplexing to Herod.” (Mark 6:20) He kept him in chains until Herodias’s daughter danced for Herod, as her reward Herod offered up to half his kingdom.
After discussing it with her mother, she decided to ask for the head of John the Baptist. Herod had second thoughts but obliged. Upon hearing about Jesus’ ministry, Herod thought John the Baptist come back to life to haunt him. Matthew tells us that as John sat in prison. He had second thoughts about Jesus being the Messiah. John had in mind a more powerful presence breaking into history, bringing change. He sends word by his disciples: “Are you the one who is to come or are we to wait for another?” (Matthew 11:3) Jesus’ response is: “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receives their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” (Matthew 11: 4-6)
We are not told how John responded to this word from Jesus. Jesus does go on to commend John’s ministry. “Among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11: 11)
Jesus is urging John not to have second thoughts. He did well and beautiful things are happening in the world. John’s own life for the future was bleak, but God’s Kingdom is still at hand. Even Herod understood John’s virtue.
The church recently received a $1,000 grant from the Synod for a new refrigerator which will be put in our pantry area for use for Sunday morning fellowship. We moved the one we were using for that purpose upstairs since that older refrigerator was not working, I played golf with the man whose endowment funds those grants. He did well in life, financially, so he wanted to give back. He also gave much of himself to his wife in her final years as she sank into dementia. He has a new friend now and they are traveling. He has no regrets for the time and the funds he gave away. His eyes are open to the good work of God being done around him and through churches, he wanted to be involved.
Prayer: Lord, we slip into sorrow at times when disappointments manifest themselves in our lives and the lives of those around us. Help us to see the Messiah is still at work. As we leave regrets behind, work your Good in us.
Grace and Peace, Pastor John
NEW MEMBER CLASS
We will be welcoming the Baker family to Faith on Sunday. Craig, Maria and Logan. Mia will be joining through baptism.
Pastor Bunge will be in the office Monday and Tuesday next week. Do call him if you need an appointment.
CHRISTMAS DECOR
Thanks to all those who assisted with the decorating of the church for Advent/Christmas. Bonnie & David S, Linda, Tim, Patrick D.; Paula; Bonnie M.; Irm; Pastor John; Pat T.; Courtney, Connie
Musicians and Poinsettias Fund
We encourage you to donate and dedicate gifts of live poinsettias and/or the Christmas Eve Musician’s fund. Just indicate your gift on your envelope.
December 14 – Advent 2 We will welcome NEW MEMBERS to Faith. Craig, Maria and Logan and Mia who will also be baptized that Sunday.
The Inland Master Chorale will also be performing a beautiful Christmas Program @ 4 p on the 14th at the University of Redlands Chapel.
December 21 – Advent 3 – no confirmation
December 24 @ 7 pm – Our festive Christmas Eve Service with musicians and choir.
December 28 – The first Sunday of Christmas – Carols and Readings.
January 4 – The visit of the Magi and baptism of our granddaughter Lily.
QUILTING – 26 quilts are done. 16 were boxed for Lutheran World Relief, which distributes them around the world. 10 were given to our San Bernardino Wellness Center.
MOVING FORWARD WITH YOUR SUPPORT
Thanks to Lou and Kyle for installing the stove in the Fireside Kitchen. Together with Tim Drom we are blessed with people caring for our property. Thanks to Connie for doing the touch-up painting. Thanks to Jenny Beal for donating pots and pans and baking dishes.
We will be updating our sign out front and lighting it. Let us know what you think of the solar lighting at night. Walker Signs is assisting with the sign. (He had a child in our preschool). Michael Gross worked on the sound system upstairs so it will be ready for the preschool program.
Refrigerator and Microwave
We received a grant from the Synod for a refrigerator for our Outreach on Sunday mornings. As I was purchasing the refrigerator, I noticed that if I added a purchase to take it over a $1,500 limit
Costco would credit $300 to the purchases. So I bought a microwave as well. They were delivered on Tuesday and the microwave will be installed next Monday. Lou and Kyle will adapt the cupboard area
so it will fit above the stove. Costco will install it. Thanks Lou and Kyle!
PLEASE PRAY FOR
• Pat Motschall’s surgery to replace her aortic and mitral valves is set for December 18.
• Bonnie Strack is seeking relief for back pain.
• Michael Shea has continuing health issues and would also appreciate prayers for his and Ann’s son, Andrew.
• Eloise continues to recover.
• Bob Jensen also developed a kidney stone and infection and a sist was found in his kidney.
• Bonnie Hallberg is still awaiting shoulder surgery. The blood clot discovered in her leg has not dissolved. The shoulder is painful, but the clot must be taken care of first.
• Nelson Hall continues to have health concerns including his heart function and breathing.
• Lauren Shaffer surgery for a stent on her right leg did not go well. The vein completely closed, the leg is so swollen it is hard to move. More surgery will be needed.
• Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for granddaughter, Kayla, who is now living with her father, their son, Kyle.
• Judy Martin likes her new home at Golden Oaks and is receiving Hospice care.
• Bonnie Strack appreciates continued prayers for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered from a series of strokes.
• Jennifer Maldonado’s surgery went well but she is now receiving radiation treatments, which are taking their toll. She now plans on being back in the Preschool in April.
• Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier who, due to her eyesight, is no longer able to drive.
• Jeanne Koening. Her health issues continue but she able to go to Loma Linda, so care is much closer.
• Holly Warner lost her grandmother, Fran.
• Ann Shea’s – Aunt Jean Fenton also passed away.
• The memorial service for Dorothy Hamre will be at Spirit of Our Savior in San Bernadino.
Thanks to all who continue to give shoes for Soles 4 Souls. The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations. Thanks to David Strack for coordinating.
Thanks to Holly from Family Assistance Center in Yucaipa for making donations as well.
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH
PRAYER CARDS – We have provided cards for the Christmas Season. Thanks for sending out cards to remember family and friends. Thanks again to the artists: Emily, Kim, Barbara, Karen, Holly, Pat T.,
Linda D., Connie
PRAYER/FRIENDSHIP ROCKS – New Christmas season rocks are available.
Karen, Connie B., Sharon C., and Carol Hamre have painted prayer/friendship rocks for you to keep, give to someone, surprise someone, or put in your garden, etc. We have painted for a Prayer Ministry that Paula will begin; also rocks are available in the Narthex, Chapel and Fireside Room for the AA, NA, Al-anon, pantry etc. groups that meet weekly.
WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASS by our OWN MASTER WATERCOLORIST, HOLLY –after church about 12:00-1:00. It is a great time. And Holly is very patient. We had a great turnout of 10 people to our first class. We are making cards for Christmas Season. (No class fee, materials provided if you do not have own. For taking the class, we ask you to please donate to the Camp fund for youth.)
SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE HOUR
DECEMBER
14 BD/ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS – Oct-Dec & WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Jerry Mills has graciously offered to bring his famous roast beef dish. Pastor John will also bring beef stew. Salad and dessert.
21 BINGO – Christmas Outreach theme; When you Bingo, you can choose a gift for another person as well as yourself. We have some nice prizes; we look forward to having you join us.
Any donations welcome.
Meatballs & Mac & Cheese; thanks to Maria for dessert
28 No refreshments this Sunday. Please enjoy with family/friends
January
4 Baptism of Granddaughter Lily – John & Connie providing refreshments.
