One of my favorite Christmas traditions is attending the candlelight service at church. We always closed the service by singing the hymn Silent Night and lighting candles.
It was a somber and also joyful moment as the light was shared person to person, symbolizing the light that has come into the world through the birth of Christ.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John1:5 (NIV)
The opening words to the hymn seem especially appropriate this year as things in the world are not either “calm” or “bright.” But neither were they calm or bright in human terms in the stable where Jesus was born.
Think about the uncertainty in which Mary gave birth– a pregnancy before marriage, a long journey only to find no room at the inn, giving birth in a cold stable.
Certainly, not a perfect or peaceful place from a human perspective.
But when we look at the story from a spiritual perspective, we see God at work in our world, breaking in to become one of us. The Father loving us so much that he sends his Son to live among us, full of grace and truth.
A baby born who will grow up to be our Messiah, the Savior of the world.
This is the good news that the angels proclaimed on that first Christmas.
This is the good news that has been entrusted to us as followers of Jesus, who have been commanded to share this good news with all nations. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to share this good news to the ends of the earth as found in Acts 1:8.
As 2020 draws to a close, let us look at our world and our lives from God’s perspective and remember what is true: we have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and sent into the world to be ministers of reconciliation.
We are to bring Jesus’ message of faith, hope and love to a world filled with uncertainly and darkness. And we will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring this good news to the world.
I pray you know Jesus’ love and presence with you, Immanuel (God with us), this Christmas.
“With the angels, let us sing. Alleluia to our King. Christ the Savior is born!”
With much love to each one of you!
With much love to each one of you! Cindy Strickler on behalf of the whole PRMI International Leadership Team, Staff and Board of Directors.
Cindy Strickler, Brad Long, Jeanne Kraak,
Lauren Rittman, Mary Ellen Conners, Cindy Ann Davis,
Stephanie McClain, Martin Boardman, Chris Walker,
Emily Bennett, and Daryl Gibbs
Keep these deadlines in mind as you prepare to give at the end of the year
- Online giving must be completed by 11:59pm, New York time, December 31, 2020.
- Mail in gifts need to be post marked December 31, 2020
- To donate appreciated stock: Here’s how
Thank you to all who continue to faithfully give and support this ministry!
