Submitted by Rev. Phillip Boykin, Misty Whitley, and Kelly Owens,
On November 3rd, the Black Jack FWB Church family gathered in a spirit of love and service to participate in Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Franklin Graham's Samaritan’s Purse. Approximately 40 members joined hearts and hands to pack shoeboxes filled with gifts, love, and prayers for children worldwide. We began the event with a heartfelt prayer, dedicating each box to the Lord and asking that they bring hope, joy, and the message of Jesus Christ to every child who would receive them.
For two hours, the room buzzed with joy and energy as volunteers of all ages worked tirelessly to fill and pack over 1,100 shoeboxes. Every item placed into those boxes represented more than a material gift—it symbolized the love of Christ and the promise of the gospel. By the end of the evening, a mountain of brightly colored shoeboxes stood ready to bless lives.
On November 24th, immediately following our morning worship service, the congregation came together once more to load these shoeboxes onto a trailer bound for the local distribution center. The sense of unity and purpose was palpable as every box was carefully packed for its journey, beginning with Boone, North Carolina, and extending to children across the globe. Through God’s provision and the generosity of His people, we also raised over $12,000 to ensure these boxes could reach their destinations.
The month of December brought even more opportunities to celebrate the birth of our Savior. On December 1st, we came together for the "Hanging of the Greens," a beautiful tradition where we adorned the sanctuary with decorations that remind us of the hope, peace, and joy found in Christ. Each ornament and wreath told its own story, drawing our hearts closer to the true meaning of the season.
The following Sunday, December 8th, the Adult Choir filled the church with heavenly melodies as they presented the cantata, What a Glorious Night. The music and narration led us in worship and reflection on the miracle of Christ's birth, touching hearts and lifting spirits.
The weekend of December 13th-15th marked the continuation of a cherished 40-year tradition: our Drive-Through Nativity. This event is a powerful way to share the story of Jesus with the community. Each scene depicted a pivotal moment in the life of Christ, from His humble birth in a stable to His victorious resurrection from the tomb. Over the weekend, 289 cars carrying 954 people passed through, hearing and seeing the gospel message come alive. The smiles, tears, and prayers shared by visitors reminded us of the impact this ministry continues to have year after year.
On December 22nd, we closed the Advent season with a special “Gift for Christ” offering during the morning worship service. That evening, we gathered as families for a solemn and sacred Candlelight Christmas Communion. Together, we celebrated the light of Christ shining in the darkness, reflecting on His sacrifice and rejoicing in His love.
Throughout the season, various Sunday School classes and groups within the church held their own events, all centering on the joy of Christ’s birth. These moments of fellowship, worship, and service were a beautiful reminder of what it means to be the body of Christ—united in purpose, love, and devotion to our Savior.
As we reflect on the incredible ways God worked through Black Jack FWB Church this season, we are reminded that each act of service and worship was ultimately for His glory. From the shoeboxes sent around the world to the nativity scenes shared with our neighbors, every moment pointed to the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. May His name be praised now and forevermore!
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