Frozen Message

Here's what Madison saw this morning - yes, we've kept that snow out for the last few days.  The elf has certainly made good use of it!

These are pretty nice gifts from Jingle.  He's really stepped up his game a bit, all things considered.  It's probably because Madison has been so good this year!

Today was a day to prepare for one more service before Christmas.  That we did, and we did some shopping as well.  And some wrapping.  And some proofing for the new series coming up in January.  Speaking of which, here's the message for Valentine's Day, one that goes with our theme from the "Northern Lights."  It is about a movie from that frozen land, a movie you might know:

“Frozen”

     Everyone knows about Anna and Elsa by now.  The movie “Frozen” is a story about talking snowmen, giant ice castles, and an adventurous journey across the frozen wilderness.  But cut to the icy heart of this movie, and you’ll find a moving story that shows us the true meaning of love.  As Anna discovers, it isn’t always what you think it might be.  

     By the end of this movie, you can’t help but say it:  let it go.  One thing we see Anna do time and again is this:  forgive.  Love is forgiveness.  Anna could have held a grudge, but kept on loving her sister regardless of all that happened, and regardless of everyone else’s opinions.  And that’s the way we should live too – forgiving, and not holding on to bitterness.
     And she never gives up, either.  The trolls sang, “Throw a little love their way.”  And that’s what we should do too, because love is constant. Anna went after her sister, climbing a mountain in the snow, and would not give up on Elsa.  Sure, someone else in your life may be a fixer upper, but as Christians, we need to keep pouring out our love, and never giving up.
     Finally, we all learn by the end of the movie that love is sacrifice.  Some people are worth melting for.  Sometimes we need to give up something to help others:  our time, our effort, or our pride.  Anna gave up all of these things, and was even willing to give up her life for her sister.  Of course, Jesus showed us all that no one has a greater love, as he went to the cross for us all.

     Like the character Hans, sometimes we miss out on what love really is.  But once we see Anna and Elsa, there is no doubt:  love is forgiveness, love is constant, and love is sacrifice. 

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“Frozen”

“You have made yourselves pure by obeying the truth. So you have an honest and true love for each other. So love one another deeply, from your hearts.” 1 Peter 1:22 NIrV

     “Suppose I speak in the languages of human beings or of angels. If I don’t have love, I am only a loud gong or a noisy cymbal.  Suppose I have the gift of prophecy. Suppose I can understand all the secret things of God and know everything about him. And suppose I have enough faith to move mountains. If I don’t have love, I am nothing at all.  Suppose I give everything I have to poor people. And suppose I give myself over to a difficult life so I can brag. If I don’t have love, I get nothing at all.
     Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud.  It does not dishonor other people. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people’s wrongs.  Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken.  It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up.”

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NIrV

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1.  Let it _____.  Love is forgiveness.  Anna could have held a grudge, but kept on loving her sister regardless.  And that’s the way we should live too – forgiving, and not holding on to bitterness.
“Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done.” Ephesians 4:32 NIrV

a.  grow           b. go                c. snow

2.  Throw a little _______ their way.  Love is constant. Anna went after her sister, climbing a mountain in the snow, and would not give up on Elsa.  Sure, someone else may be a fixer upper, but as Christians, we need to keep pouring out our love, and never giving up. 

“It (love) always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 NIrV
a.  love            b. snowman    c. peace

3.         Some people are worth ________ for.  Love is sacrifice.  Sometimes we need to give up something to help others:  our time, our effort, or our pride.  Anna gave up all of these things, and was even willing to give up her life for her sister.

"No one has greater love than the one who gives their life for their friends.” John 15:13 NIrV
a.  trying        b. reindeer     c. melting

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Notes/Stamp

Memory Verse: “Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God.” 1 John 4:7 NIrV