CHRISTMAS CANNOT BE STOLEN!
I have heard politicians lament that they would be remembered as the
‘person who stole Christmas.’ Like in ‘The Grinch who Stole
Christmas’ by Dr. Seuss, the perpetrator was able to steal some of
the things that surround the day, but not effect the main
celebration. In the same way, no politician, disease, or event can
rob us of the truth of Christmas, that the true Light became human
and dwelt among us so that all that receive Him and believe in Him is
given the right to become adopted children of God (see the Gospel of
John, Chapter 1).
Please do not misunderstand me, the restrictions that are upon us
this year are real and will profoundly change how we celebrate this
special day. Many will experience extreme difficulty, loneliness and
depression because of the measures that have been taken. During times
like this, the Bible calls us to encourage and comfort our family and
friends to assist them through this challenging season.
For ourselves, while many of our wonderful traditions and activities
have been stripped away, we have the opportunity to reflect on the
event that changed the world – that God stepped into human history as
a baby with the sole purpose of offering Himself on the cross so that
all who believe in Him could be saved (see Philippians, Chapter 2).
LOVING THE NORTH
At the
beginning of 2020, LAMP had a wonderful summer program ready to go
where many teams from USA and Canada would travel to their respective
communities and share the Gospel. However, the virus hit and all team
visits were cancelled. However, this did not stop us! The teams found
new and innovative ways of communicating with and ministering to
their respective community. As for myself, I took several trips up
north to encourage the people and clergy of the north, and to bring
them love gifts from the teams. The purpose of these trips is to
break the extreme isolation, and to remind them that we love them,
and that God will never leave them nor forsake them.
My last trip was just a few days ago in mid-December and I connected
with clergy in order to transport gifts to seven isolated communities
(see picture above). It is my prayer that these gifts will touch many
hearts and bring glory to the Lord. While it is a very difficult time
for us who live is less remote locations, it is even more difficult
and lonely for those up north. If it pleases the Lord, I will
be visiting more communities in January and February.
HAVE A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS
During this complicated time, Kim and I pray that you have a
wonderful Christmas full of joy, love and truth. May the Lord use
this as an opportunity to draw you even closer to Himself and may He
provide you with many ways that you can bring glory to His Name. Have
the most blessed Christmas, Gord and Kim.
|
Comments
Post a Comment