Dear Friends,
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen let nothing Ye Dismay...”
As this year draws to a close and with the holiday season upon us, I want to take this opportunity to send Christmas greetings to each of you.
This year has not been what any of us thought it would be. Each of us has experienced a disruption in our lives. Our best-laid plans have passed us by, replaced by hardships experienced either by ourselves or those dear to us.
While the Christmas story fills us with hope, after the year we have had this particular verse holds new meaning:
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2: 7
Surely Mary and Joseph had different, better plans for the birth of the Son of God! Faced with closed doors and the humiliation of giving birth to the Saviour in a lowly stable, their faith gave them the strength they needed to continue. And as their reward, Christ Jesus gave to all mankind the hope of salvation.
Perhaps we can take some inspiration and hope from their example, and courage knowing that God will always be with us.
“Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day. To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray. Oh, tidings of comfort and Joy”
May your Christmas season be filled with faith, hope and love, and your new year with many blessings.
From my family to yours: a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Kelly Block