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Friday, December 9 - Devotional From Pastor John Hartman

“A Transformed Christmas, A Transformed Life”
Back in 1969, the Rankin-Bass company produced a 30 minute animated television special, titled, “Frosty the Snowman,” that featured the voices of comedians Jimmy Durante as narrator, and Jackie Vernon, as the title character.
The story begins with students in school on Christmas Eve, but a teacher has hired magician, Professor Hinkle, to entertain the kids. Unfortunately, he is not a very good magician. Frustrated in his attempt to pull a rabbit out of his hat, he throws it away in anger.
Outside, the kids build a snowman. They name it “Frosty,” and when the hat blows onto it, the snowman comes to life. Professor Hinkle decides he wants that hat back, so that he can make money off of its newfound magical properties, but the kids want to save their beloved Frosty the Snowman.
When the temperature starts to rise, a new problem threatens Frosty’s existence. So, Karen, the leader of the children, comes up with a plan to save him, -- by taking him on a train to the North Pole, where it is always cold.
With a cameo from Santa, and the promise of Frosty’s return every year, this story of life, death, a resurrection, and holiday cheer are glazed with a sweet “frosting” of hope and joy.
Jesus Christ promises that if we put our faith and trust in him, we will be filled with the kind of life that will last forever. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus also said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). This is the promise of transformation for those who are in Christ, and whether intentional or not, it is also at the heart of the Frosty the Snowman story.
This Sunday, December 11, I continue my Advent sermon series titled, “The Classics of Christmas.” As you read above, we will be looking at that old favorite, “Frosty the Snowman.” So, come join us in the sanctuary for worship at Chestnut Level at either 8:00 am or 10:30 am. We will also broadcast the 10:30 service on Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube.
Pastor John
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