TGIF
Cindy and I have just returned from a two-week trip to Washington DC to visit our children and grandchildren, and to Pennsylvania to visit close family that we have not seen in a year. It was a great trip in many ways, certainly exciting and fun to see our loved ones again and to catch up on life happenings in the past year. The trip was certainly full of joy and love, catching up with loved ones of all ages! At the same time, this trip was not restful, as we were always on the go to see everybody we wanted to see and to be with our granddaughters whenever they were available. God certainly blessed us with traveling mercies as we drove around the busy DC area and then ventured out to Pennsylvania as well. Although we returned home quite tired and needing some rest time, the memories from this trip will always be with us, and we would not trade them for anything. We thank God for His blessings on our trip and visit with our family!
We now need to prepare for Christmas at home and Cindy is already busy decorating for Christmas. We need to prepare for visitors during the holidays, and we are excited for the time we will get to spend with family and friends this holiday season.
However, it is also essential that we remember the true reason for the season we are preparing for right now. The hope of our world was born in a manger over 2,000 years ago and He still lights the way for us in our approach to life today. We are led by Our Savior ever since His birth, by the one who has never left our side and is with us always in a world that seems to be spinning more out of control seemingly every day.
My prayer for each of you today is that we can all find time during this Christmas season of celebration to truly focus on the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and may He lead us to the true peace that only He offers.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!
We will constantly have issues in our fallen world, sometimes even within our own family, but we need to take heart in the presence of Jesus with us always providing us peace.
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
One of the favorite songs we sang each year at Covenant during our annual Christmas banquet was Start at the Manger …… . Below is the music for you to listen to the song.
I hope you can find time in your busy holiday schedule to listen to this song and really focus on its message.
I wish all of you a very peaceful, loving, joyful, and hopeful Christmas season!!!
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.