Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Christmas

DECEMBER 2009

I love December for several reasons. One, this is the month we celebrate CHRISTmas and my wife’s birthday too. Two, there’s something special in the air. I don’t know if it’s the cold spell of winter or the prospect of “crossing over” to the New Year. There is something mysterious about it that reminds me of times past. Three, I definitely love the Christmas carols and music that I hear around this time of year.

Speaking of Christmas carols/music, I have several CDs at home that I play alternately. I listen to jazz renditions to the classical and even Filipino Christmas medleys.

Before I go further, let me say a MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and a BLESSED NEW YEAR TOO! We don’t know what the next year awaits us. I am just privileged to have these few words directly expressed to you. Just bear up with me. It’s from my heart.

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The past weeks were busy more than the usual. We had been to special Christmas-related gatherings and meetings. For the first-time also since we ministered to the Assembly Kyoto Church, we (my wife) initiated a Nativity play with her English students as the main characters. We praise the Lord for the beautiful outcome and the good turn out especially of the children’s parents. We are also grateful to the many hands from AKC that extended help to make the said event a success.

One other big event coming up is the Christmas Eve Candle-light Service that we hold each year. We have a slightly different program planned for this year and also, we have the Gospel Choir singing for us. The service begins at 19:00 (or 7:00 PM).

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I will be sharing a message on Isaiah 9:6 for our Christmas Eve Service. It says, For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. 
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

For Sunday, December 27th, we will reflect on the account surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ and about the lesser-known characters of the same event.

May you have a truly meaningful celebration of Christmas!!!


Sincerely,

Pastor Joseph