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BETHLEHEM

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TRI COUNTY!

As I look back at all that's occurred in 2024; in my life, in the lives of so many of my friends and family, in my church and in my country I can honestly say I can find a lot of things to be thankful for. And, you are among my blessings. Thank you for your kindness and friendship.

Remembering the events of this nearly-completed year, I also know that there have been some difficult times for so many of my friends, too.  I've had my fair share of turmiil and bad news, too.  Last night, while laying quietly in bed, I remembered past Christmas seasons. There was one particularly difficult year in my younger years.  It was that year when I went to a church service and heard for the first time this poem:

That night when in Judean skies

The mystic star dispensed its light

A bllind man moved amid h is sleep

And dreamed that he had sight

 

That night when shepherds heard 

Of angels' voices choiring near

A deaf man stirred in slumber's spell

And dreamed that he could hear

 

That night when in the cattle stall

Slept Child and mother cheek by jowl

A cripple turned his twisted limbs

And dreamed that he was whole

 

That night when o'er the newborn Babe

The tender Mary rose to lean

A leper smiled in deepest sleep

And dreamed that he was clean

 

That night when to the mother's breast

The little king was held secure

A harlot slept a happy sleep

And dreamed that she was pure

 

That night when in the manger lay

The Sanctified who came to save

A man moved in the sleep of death

And dreamed there was no grave

How well it it said of Bethlehem of old, "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight."  And you know what? The Child born in Bethlehem still gives us hope today. As I await medical test results, I know my life rests in the hands of an all-powerful God and a loving Savior. And I want you to know, my friend, that no matter the challenge(s) you may be facing right now, there are people in this world who care.  I'm one of them.   And, the same Lord who gave sight to the blind, sound to the deaf, mobility to the crippled, cleanliness to the leper, forgiveness to the prostitute and life to the dead is the same Lord that hears your prayers today. I hope you find peace and joy and comfort in HIm this Christmas season.

There is one lesson learned this year that I'm taking with me in to 2025:  Tomorrow is not promised, time is short and the work of the Church is important. The church of Jesus Christ was not an after-thought. The Church is and has always been the Bride of Christ and His vehicle for making disciples. So I head into a new year with big dreams and aspirations for Tri County Christian Church. And, I do so with full confidence that "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight."

I invite you to go on this journey with me. The work we do in the church is the work that will lead people to Jesus, help people grow in their faith in Jesus and ultimately result in more of our friends, family and others joining us in heaven one day.

I pray this Christmas finds you in a good place. But if struggles remain, find hope in the Baby born in Bethlehem. And, if along the way I can be a blessing to you or help you in any way, please feel free to reach out to me. Your friendship has blessed me this year and to the extent I can be a blessing to you, that would increase my joy!

Merry Christmas!

May God bless you and yours.