by Rev Robert A Wendel
Every Christian knows that Christmas is for celebrating. Celebrating the gift of God’s Son to us. For us. “The Son of God has come, Light has entered the world. A Savior is here and our sins are forgiven.” (John 8:12)
What a grand reality. In the midst of all the sad, distressing news coming across the wires and internet these days. Just when our nights are the longest and our days seem filled with problems and too much pain, we are reminded again that God’s own Son came to earth to live and die among us.
We rejoice because Heaven-sent joy came to earth. We give gifts because the grandest One has been given to us. We feast because the Bread of Life has been provided. We sing carols because all the earth must hear those bright melodies again.
Still, amid all the brightness, our souls remain in death’s shadow. The power of human failure to stain the soul with sin is inescapable. Defeat and darkness continue to shade tomorrow’s horizons. The burden of our guilt leaves ridges in the mind which clouds the soul making it hard to gain confidence enough to look for tomorrow’s sunlight.
As we light candles this Christmas Eve, let’s you and I ask our mighty and loving Savior to dispel these shadows. As we lift our voices to sing carols, let’s praise the One who came to break the back of condemnation and restore our union with the Almighty Creator, to enable us to become all we were meant to be, children of our glorious Father. (John 3:17).
As we move through this Yuletide, join me in a duel declaration: “We receive your Light, Lord Jesus – purge our souls and let us live in your light. We will share Your Light – having so freely received your Love, we will share it with family, friends and strangers, in this blessed Holy Season. Heaven’s Light has come and the darkness will never be the same!”
The Food We Have Provides a Blessing: Our gentlemen will share in yet another breakfast at 8:00 am on Saturday, December 12th. Area Minister Jim Anderson will share WV/ABC information and inspiration.
Special thanks to all who provided and shared in our Fall Harvest Dinner and to everyone who gave to our Helping Hands food drive – many blessings !!!