The Holy Season Continues ~ "After Jesus Birth!"

"When eight days were accomplished for the circumcision of the child, His name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Jesus to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord."  Luke 2:21-22

Thoughts After Christmas From Pastor's Study:
We celebrate many days before we come to the day we celebrate the Lord's Birth. Then, we have a glorious celebration on the day set aside for this moment... then what?  I believe it is meant for us to follow Jesus throughout His life, that we might grow spiritually.  For as we follow in His footsteps, we will "wax strong" and become a true disciple of Jesus our Lord and Saviour!  So often humanity celebrates a landmark and then proceeds on their way never looking back at what they have celebrated.  But, Jesus is to be celebrated all through our life. This is why our forefathers set forth the Church Calendar, so that Jesus, the Christ, would be remembered all year long.  Some tremendous things occurred after the Birth of Christ that bears mentioning.  Now Joseph and Mary have a Child, not just any Child, but a miraculous Child.  We note that Mary ponders every thing that occurs and Joseph remains alert to the instructions of God as they prepare to leave Jerusalem.  It appears in Scripture that they may have remained there in the stable for eight days.  They were waiting for the appropriate time to present Jesus to the Priest.  From this point on, Joseph must be continually alert, for God has given him the responsibility for the Christ Child here on earth.  While Mary ponders things in her heart, Joseph remains alert to the instructions of God.  From the Birth of Jesus we learn some powerful things.  First, we must bring our new born child to the House of God for His Blessings to be imparted upon them.  Some churches sprinkle them, we "dedicate" them.  It is in presenting them to the Lord that is important.  Today we see Simeon being led by the Holy Ghost, and the "Dedication" begins as Jesus is swooped up into his arms and blessed.  Then we hear: "A Light to Lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel!"

The Gentiles, we are included....
                                   Loving you, Pastor

Happy New Year from our House to yours! God Bless every one of you in the coming year 2013. Let us Rejoice that we have another year to serve the Lord and Grow in His Grace!