Christmas 2011

The angel Gabriel said to Mary, “And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS…The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the SON OF GOD.”  Luke 1:31, 35.

Hello Dear Hearts,

For four hundred years the people of Israel had heard nothing from God.  And then — silence was shattered by the supernatural visitation of angels!  Gabriel appeared to Zacharias in the temple, then to Mary.  The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream; and on the night of Jesus’ birth the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds tending their flocks.  “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

The angels brought more than a glimmer of hope into a dark world, it was hope personified. “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOUR, who is Christ the Lord.” “Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the new born King; peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! “

There is no way we can wrap our minds around

the most incredible event in human history,

when God, the Word, became flesh, a baby.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt

among us, and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

And though the world is in chaos, and hopelessness rules in the hearts of men, “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”

He came on that night of nights to deliver us.  “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” So when the circumstances seem to overwhelm us

and the trials and tribulations come upon us, we stand firm on the eternal word of God, “For thou art my hope, O Lord God, thou art my trust from my youth.”  “My hope comes from the Lord.”

As we celebrate the Gift of all gifts, from our Heavenly Farther, I want to thank you for answering His call on our lives together.  I praise God for your faithfulness through prayer and giving as we minister here on the Islands.  You have made it possible for many to come to Christ.  “The Lord has anointed me (us) to preach glad tidings to the meek; He hath sent me (us) to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isaiah 61:1  “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shown toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

And so with prophecies being fulfilled before our eyes, we anticipate “Our blessed hope,”  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  To an inheritance incorruptible and that fadeth not away,  reserved in heaven for you.”

And with a thankful heart I want to wish you and your loved ones a very special, loving, joy filled Christmas and Holiday Season.

With so much love and appreciation,

Georgia Lee