As the second Sunday of Advent arrives, it brings with it a deep and multifaceted significance, resonating through centuries of Christian tradition. This day, occurring on the second of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, holds a special place in the hearts of many believers worldwide. It is a time of preparation, reflection, and anticipation, marking a pivotal point in the Advent season. more

The twenty-third Psalm is one of the most famous passages in the Bible. Part of what makes the ancient psalm so moving is that it was written by David, who had been a shepherd before he became a king. It beautifully pictures God caring for us like shepherds care for their sheep. Here is the psalm: more

This time of year, even with its celebrations, is for some people a time of sadness. There has been great sickness, grief, or loss in their lives. Twinkling Christmas lights are not enough to lift the darkness. The truth of scripture speaks to this. In John 1:5 we read, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus is the light of the world, and his coming into our lives brings light. How? He forgives the guilty and comforts the grieving. He welcomes the stranger and heals the broken. The light of Christ streams into our lives as we know the saving grace of God. Jesus was born into this world so that we might know that we are God’s loved and cherished children. Today Christ wants to shine his light into our hearts. May we pray the words of the hymn, “O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in; be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.” God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches of Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. more

The New Testament opens with four distinct yet intertwined accounts of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, known as the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These texts, while centered on the same individual, present different perspectives, themes, and audiences, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and purposes of their authors. more

The First Presbyterian Church of West Plains continues to offer a unique way for community members to seek spiritual support, especially for those who might feel uncomfortable entering a church. Their innovative 'prayer wall,' a concept that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains a steadfast symbol of the church's commitment to serving the broader community's spiritual needs. more

For the past 25 years I have used a marital survey designed and developed in 1977 by Prepare Enrich when I counsel couples. It helps people prepare for marriage and as-sists married couples who are struggling. I am far from alone; pastors and counselors have used this resource with more than 4 million couples. more

Job 1:21 ...the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. more

Isaiah 40:3 says, “A voice cries out, ‘In the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord.’” In ancient times, when kings planned a journey, a crew was sent ahead to make sure the road—the way—was passable. They filled in the potholes, removed the obstacles, and repaired the road so the king and his entourage could make the journey. During these weeks before Christmas, let us prepare ourselves so that Jesus may come into our lives anew. Take time to pray and read the Bible each day. (Luke has 24 chapters. You could read one a day.) Remove the obstacles that keep us from Christ. Let go of selfishness and grudges. Cooking, shopping, and decorating are not the only preparations we need to make in this season. “Prepare the way of the Lord!” May God bless your week. Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

As families across the United States gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, a deeper exploration into the holiday's roots reveals a complex intertwining with Christian traditions and beliefs. Though widely regarded as a secular holiday centered around gratitude, Thanksgiving's historical and spiritual connections to Christianity offer a richer, more nuanced understanding of this annual celebration. more

The season of Advent, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas and the return of Jesus at the Second Coming, holds a significant place in the Christian liturgical year. Observed over the four weeks leading up to Christmas, Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30 (St. Andrew's Day) and ends on December 24. more

Here is a Thanksgiving recipe which can make every day more meaningful. Take time every day to one of these: 1. Tell someone “Thank You.” Let them know you really mean it. 2. Write a Thank You note…email, snail mail, or text. Express your appreciation for someone’s caring, their help, support, their presence in your life. 3. Keep a Gratitude Journal. Write down several specific things for which you are thankful. They can be big things or small things. Simply express gratitude to God for them. When we practice thanksgiving each day, we are more aware of the ways God blesses us. Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart!” May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor of the Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

In Sam Kim’s excellent book, A Holy Haunting, the author referenced a recent national survey released by Cigna, a global health service company, which asked people 20 questions about loneliness. The survey revealed: more

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned... There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:44). more

I have a bible app on my smart phone as most Christians probably do and I get daily verses that will pop up during the day. Normally, I read the scriptures and I might meditate on them for a short while. I try to consistently work on learning how to listen to the Holy Spirit more deeply, how God speaks to us in ways that are outside normal perceived channels of communication but have much meaning. I have learned and continue to learn that God speaks to us in a variety of ways. We can hear from God through the scriptures, through music, a song and through encouragement from other people. more

Eagle Heights Independent Baptist Church, located at 1078 CR 8570, West Plains, MO 65775, is excited to invite the community to its "Friends and Family Sunday" event. This special occasion, to be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023, will feature the renowned family singing group "The New Horizons" from Lebanon, MO. more

Many years ago, I read best-selling author John Maxwell’s fascinating book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Maxwell told a dramatic story about businessman Roberto Goizueta, the former CEO of Coca-Cola. In 1997, only a few months before his death, Goizueta delivered a brilliant speech to the Executives’ Club of Chicago in which he shared the passion which motivated him to get up each day. He said, “…A billion minutes ago, Christianity emerged. A billion seconds ago the Beetles performed on the Ed Sullivan show. A billion Coca-Colas ago was… yesterday morning. And the question we are asking ourselves now is, ‘What must we do to make a bil-lion Coca-Colas ago this morning?’” more

We read in Psalm 107:1, “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” Throughout the year we give thanks to God for abundant blessings, Now that November is here, we think about Thanksgiving Day and the Pilgrims’ celebration in 1621. The Mayflower sailed across the Atlantic with 102 passengers and 30 crew members. Because of disease and exposure during the bitter cold of the winter, about half of them died. With the help of Squanto and the native Wampanoag tribe, the Pilgrims had a harvest that autumn. They celebrated with their new friends and gave thanks for the abundance God provided. May we pause every day to give thanks! May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn.View. more

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3 more

In the vast expanse of religious teachings and interpretations, the fundamental message of Jesus Christ remains a subject of profound contemplation and discussion. Central to Christian faith, the words and actions of Jesus as depicted in the New Testament offer insights into his teachings. At the heart of this exploration lies a question that challenges the conscience of believers: Does following Jesus Christ mean adhering to a strict set of rules, or is it a deeper call to embody the essence of his teachings? more