A Note Regarding "A Night in Bethlehem"

In 1997 my father Dave Watts began a tradition in Tullahoma that became a staple in our community. Every December 21, 22, and 23rd "A Night in Bethlehem took place at 108 East Grundy Street. For the past five years, I have had the joy of leading this community ministry. This year was to be our 20th year. Unfortunately, due to circumstances and decisions beyond my control, "A Night in Bethlehem" will not take place this December 21, 22, and 23rd. And in all honesty, I have no idea whether it will ever take place again.  There are young people, young adults even who do not know Christmas in Tullahoma without a visit to "A Night in Bethlehem". People came from near and far, many from other states, and many who planned their vacation around it, to experience this wonderful event that included nearly 100 volunteers and paid workers to make happen. Typically we would be in the midst of preparation for "A Night in Bethlehem" from August through December 24th when the event culminated into the packed-out Christmas Eve service where the nativity scene came to life and entered into the Worship Center. Last year was our largest attendance in all 19 years with thousands attending all three nights. It saddens me to think about the Christmas season in Tullahoma without this event that brought so many together in service, and in wonder as we reflected upon the night that Heaven came down to earth.  I share this with you as I have had many ask me via social media or in person about "A Night in Bethlehem" 2017. Regardless, even now as the Christmas decoration are popping up in our local stores, I implore you to be reminded this year, as in years past, that Christ is what Christmas is all about. I encourage you as you begin planning and buying gifts to remember "The Gift" (Jesus) that forever changed the world! And as you prepare for Christmas 2017, think more about what you can give rather than what you might receive. Think about those who are in need during this Christmas season and be the hands, feet, voice, grace, and love of Christ. In all reality, that's why we did "A Night Bethlehem" for some 19 years. We did it to serve as a reminder of what is the true meaning of Christmas... and that being Jesus! The greatest gift we can ever receive! The greatest gift we can ever share!  Finally, I want to say "Thank You" to all who worked so hard to make "A Night in Bethlehem" the community outreach it was to all who attended. Your hard work and dedication will never be forgotten. May God bless you all as you celebrate Him, not just at Christmastime, but all of the time.

Pastor Christian Watts

Watch "A Night in Bethlehem" 2015 Highlights at https://youtu.be/kqFFQyA0UN8

From My Heart to Yours

Over the past 4 months I have had an array of emotions and thoughts run through my heart and mind. I have been hurt, unheard, and have felt abandoned by people that over the span of some 5 years I had poured my life into. I admit I made mistakes along the way, but they have only proved to make me a better person as I have learned from them. However, I can honestly say that in every circumstance, every situation, I strived with the best of my ability to bring Glory to God by standing up for what I believed was best for the Body of Christ I served. Over the past 3 years I strived to better myself even more, by going to counseling 2 years in a row for a span of 3 months per year (2015, 2016). And no one prompted me to go to counseling. I did this on my own accord to strive to be the best Man of God I could be. And I can wholeheartedly hold my head up and say that I not only strived to become a better Pastor and Servant of Christ, I believe I did. Perhaps that is what perplexes me the most when I think of how things ended with a Body of Believer's of whom my family and I had poured 20 years of life, our families, and ministry into.

Over the past two weeks I have come to a crossroads as far as how to handle things from here. Amidst the struggle, God has continually brought the passages of scripture below to the forefront of my mind. And although it has taken time, tears, and a humbling of myself to not seek revenge, I am finally at peace and have let go and have laid everything at the feet of Christ. Do I still hurt? Do I hurt for my children, my wife, my parents, my sister and her family? Do I hurt for those who were innocent bystanders, but themselves have been hurt, or at the very least, left confused by it all? Yes. Healing will take time, but it will come. God is fully in control and He will make things right, even in dealing justly with those who took part in the hurting.

I write this publicly for two reasons: One, to let you know that I have placed everything that has happened over these past 4 months in God's hands. He knows what is right, what is true, and will deal with those of whom need dealing with. Secondly, I want you to know that Tullahoma Church Plant is not being done out of retaliation, ill will, or as a competition to any other church in or around Tullahoma. This church plant is being planted because God has called me to continue serving Him here where he placed me in June of 2012, Tullahoma.

Sometimes God's best plan comes out of what seems like tragedy. But in all reality, what we deem as a tragedy, is in all reality a part of His greater plan. For several years God has been speaking to me about stepping out and planting a new church right here in Tullahoma. A church for those who have given up on church. A church for those who are broken, hurting, addicted to drugs, struggling through divorce, contemplating suicide, and a host of other issues people face that Tullahoma Church Plant will minister to. Genesis 50:20 really sums things up... "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives".

I truly believe this verse explains the "what" and "why" of what has happened to me, and for that I am grateful!

The following passages are ones God has set before me in recent days...

Philippians 1:12-19 - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. (The Apostle Paul)

Romans 12:9-21 - Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (The Apostle Paul)

May God bring us to peace in the days, months, and years to come as we all work together to advance the Gospel and further the Kingdom with the Hope that is Christ.

In Him Alone,

Pastor Christian Watts