January 2010

Well, what a year! We closed it out it in a wonderful way with so many wonderful parties and events. Christmas choirs, the ladies’ party, youth party, staff party, young professionals’ party, etc. December is always packed with joy and purpose, and this December was no different…except it was the best we’ve ever had! Somehow, though we actually gave fewer gifts than ever, we enjoyed much more of Christmas than we ever have. It was terrific! As the pictures attest, smiles abounded at every special event. Heather was in the middle of a real, live hair-pulling at the ladies’ Christmas party with Noreen Kenny (the card-carrying instigator at all such functions). Heather always has a great crowd for the yearly teaching and gift exchange, but this year, they enjoyed more fun and guests than normal. Even the waitresses hung around to enjoy the spectacle and to hear the Word of God!

The yearly street choir was great as well. We raised about $5,000 for the Galway Hospice, a favorite local charity that is privately and locally funded. The rockin’ choir sent cool vibes down the main street with terrific, lively tunes. We also use the opportunity to pass out thousands of tracts that remind everyone of the Reason for the Season. The incarnation is, of course, central to the gospel message. So many, especially here, know about the story of Christmas, but few know why it is so very important. As Jesus said, God is a spirit. But a spirit does not have blood, and since blood was required for man’s redemption, the Spirit of God need to be housed in a flesh body. As the book of Hebrews teaches:
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. (Heb. 10:4-7, KJV)

You see, all the bulls, goats, and sheep sacrificed from the dawn of time were never God’s pleasure…only the birth of Christ would do. Verse five says that when He came into the world He said something. What did He say when He came into the world? He said that sacrifices and offerings for sin were not the desire of God, but a BODY was prepared for Him. Why a body? Because He needed the precious blood that would be poured out for our sins, and THAT was the will of God: the offering of the life of the sinless Son of God. And that is what makes Christmas soooo special—Heaven-sent blood that would soon be exchanged for our souls. Hallelujah!

On that same vein, God really spoke to us about 2010! We believe that it will be a year of fresh starts: “Though your sins were as scarlet, they shall be white as snow” (Is. 1:18). No matter the past, God’s mercy offers newness through Christ, even for the most horrible mistakes of yesterday. When there is a new snow fall, all the old tracks are covered. Everything becomes clean, white, fresh. In Isaiah 55:10-11, it tells us that the rain and the snow come from heaven and water the earth, making it spring forth and bud…and so shall His Word be that comes from Heaven and prospers in the earth! The difference, of course, between rain and snow is the season in which they fall. And God is changing the season! Those Words, promises, prophecies that have been spoken over you that haven’t come to pass yet, seemingly frozen in time, are beginning to melt and provide fresh spring water for the seeds you’ve sown! It’s going to be a great 2010!!

Much love and God bless,
Kevin, Heather and family