Merry Christmas to all my dear Friends!

 

Dear Precious Friends, Followers, and Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

We all know Jesus wasn't born on December 25 but most likely in September during the Feast of Tabernacles. There is, however evidence that He was conceived during this time of year when the Holy Spirit came upon the virgin Mary. We also all know that many of the "rituals" of  our culture of Christmas stem from pagan holidays. But I encourage you to celebrate this special and holy time in the way the Holy Spirit guides you and not allow others to condemn you. Our family has a Christmas Tree and we exchange gifts and have a big meal, but in no way have we ever worshiped a pagan god by doing so. The little ones are taught about Jesus and His birth and life and resurrection, and we display a nativity right near the Christmas tree. On the tree are ornaments about Jesus, crosses and angels and nativity scenes. My daughter is reading the Christmas story from Luke to her children each night leading up to Christmas, and we discuss these things with our grandchildren. We try and not allow the commercialism and materialism of the holiday affect us and keep our eyes on Jesus. 

I encourage each of you to ask the Lord to guide you in your celebrations. If you feel strongly that certain Christmas traditions are wrong, then by all means don't celebrate in that way. The Bible says that if we believe something is sin (even if it's not) and we do it anyway, we are committing sin.  But let us not condemn our brothers and sisters for the way they are celebrating. Only God knows our hearts. 

 

Having said that, I want to thank you all for following me this past year, for putting up with my rantings and ramblings and for trusting me with your prayer requests. I thank those of you who faithfully read my books and share them with others. I thank everyone who comments on my blog or sends me emails. I feel like I have a bunch of great friends across the globe! Thank you most of all for your prayers.

 

For those of you interested in my next book release, stay tuned for more information in a few weeks!

 

Jesus is coming soon! I can't emphasize that enough. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, check out my recent blog posts. The Lord has tasked me to watch for His return for several years now, and I can honestly say, I've never sensed it closer. So, in this precious season of celebrating His birth, give Him the greatest gift of all. Your heart, your love, and your obedience. All Jesus has ever wanted, the entire reason for His life, death, and resurrection is to have a close relationship with YOU. Yes, I said YOU! You and me, with all our failings and weaknesses and sin.  He loves you more than you could ever imagine.  

 

May the Lord flood you with His presence, His joy, peace, and love this Christmas and may you come to know Him more each day until the time when we hear that Trumpet blast!