A WORD FROM PASTOR HANK
I planned a lavish home, where the wealthy could call,
but then I heard and orphan say, “I have no home at all.”
I planned to buy a bedroom suite, so exquisite with charm,
but then I heard a mother pray, “Lord, keep my baby warm.”
I wanted then a freezer, to store my fancy food,
for mine was now old-fashioned, and not the kind that stood.
Just then across the ocean came this bitter, plaintive cry:
“But I don’t have a bite of food, please: help me or I die!”
I bought a car for Christmas; it’s for my loved ones dear,
but then I heard an orphan cry, “I have no loved ones here!”
I spent a lot of money for friends at Christmas time,
but when it came to _______ , I did not give a dime.
(fill in the blank: missions, helping others, PORT, a Food Pantry, the Church, etc.)
When Christmas was all over, I reckoned what I’d spent,
it was so vast and large a sum, I could not but repent!
For it just seemed I heard that morn a far-off mother say,
“How long ago was Jesus born to take our sins away?”
Her words began to haunt my heart, for it had grown so cold;
my children had the Gospel light, but hers were still untold.
I vowed that day that I would give and work with all my might,
to help win a lost and dying world from sin and heathen night.
by Rev. Fred Jarvis, veteran Missionary to India
Is it possible for Christians to joyfully celebrate the grand love of God at Christmas – and yet never share that love with others? Is it possible for Christians to love the Lord and worship Him regularly – and yet fail to hear His words: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you!” Is this really possible?
God tells us in His holy Word that He hears the cries of the oppressed – the hungry – the ill-clothed and ill-sheltered – the physically, emotionally and mentally ill – the despairing and the lonely – the refugee and the homeless – the orphan, and the widow and widower – from anyone who is hurting in any way! And our Lord has an answer: He has blessed His people (and that is you and me!) to be a blessing to others! God has equipped His people (and remember, that is you and me!) to reach out in love, sharing both the Good News of salvation and our material blessings for the well-being of others! That is how God shows His love! That is how we show our love for God and for others!
The Apostle John, writing to dear brothers and sisters in Christ, emphasizes this when he pens, “Yet I am writing to you a new command … We should love one another.” (1 John 2:7; 3:11). If there is one word that describes our great God, it is the word LOVE (1 John 4:8). And if there is any word that summarizes our Christian faith in action, it is the word LOVE.
In love, we reach out to others, determined by the grace of God the ease the hurting others may feel and to share – by word and action – the Good News of God’s love. LOVE is not just a nice Christian slogan or Christmas remembrance: it is a way of life for all of God’s people! And I pray that as others view the Resurrection family, they might exclaim: “My, how those Christians love others!”
When the Christmas spirit springs to life, in the human heart each year,
The world becomes, for a little while, a haven of love and cheer.
The poor in body are clothed and fed, and lonely know once more,
The warmth of hearing a welcome knock, on a long too silent door.
For these few days we remember well, that all mankind is kin,
Bound by the love of the Babe who found, no room in that long ago inn.
But the days go by, and the spirit dies, so busy with living are we,
And the poor and lonely are left once more, in hunger and apathy.
I have been guilty too, God knows: Too busy to lend a hand,
Too busy to stop for a friendly chat, too busy to understand.
No more, no more let this happen to me, Dear Lord, I earnestly pray.
“Let me keep the Spirit the whole year through, as bright as it is today!”
By Virginia Blanck Moore
Advent and Christmas Greetings to You All!!
Pastor Hank Hollar
A Personal Note: Advent and Christmas allows us to share God’s gift of love with others in special ways. We send cards, bake goodies to share, give gifts, invite family and friends to our home for fellowship, and worship together at special times. As Advent/Christmas 2015 draws closer, let me express my gratitude and personal thanks to each of you at Resurrection for your prayers, thoughts and expressions of love for Rita and me during the past year. May the Lord bless your Christmas celebration! May His Spirit fill your eyes with the vision of His salvation, from Bethlehem to Calvary to the Empty Grave! May the Christ-Child fill you with His peace!
