Epiphany Devotional 2014-2015

Epiphany Devotional
2014-2015
Hamburg Presbyterian Church
Daily Devotionals from Pastor Rachel, the PNC and the New Beginnings Committee
Christmas Day 2014 – December 25, 2014
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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And
he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the
increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and
over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on
and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. ~ Isaiah 9: 6 - 7
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east
came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw
his star in the east and have come to worship him." When King Herod heard this he was
disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief
priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem
in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: " 'But you, Bethlehem, in the
land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.' "Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found
out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go
and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may
go and worship him." After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they
had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child
was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child
with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their
treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been
warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. ~
Matthew 2: 1- 12
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ~ 1 John 5:
11
Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the
world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all
shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary
baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over
Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child. Christ's birth is
true fulfillment of God's promise to humanity that we would have eternal life, through Christ's
birth, death and resurrection. Spend this day celebrating Christ's birth through prayer, love and
devotion to one another.
Rev. Rachel N. Brown
Pastor
Hamburg Presbyterian Church
December 26, 2014
Thessalonians 5: 16-18
For most of us the holiday season signifies a time of family togetherness, sharing, and joy! But
the holiday season can sometimes be a time of sadness, loss and emptiness for many. However,
we are reminded that it should not be. The Bible tells us that we should "Rejoice always, pray
continually; Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1
Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Can that really be? Can you really rejoice always? Can we give thanks in all circumstances?
What if a loved one dies? What if you are in pain? What if you are struggling caring for a sick
family member or friend? What if you are experiencing significant financial shortfalls? Should
we really be giving thanks in times like these?
Although it is hard, the answer yes. We must remember that the Lord will never forsake us. It
is during our most troubling times that Jesus Christ is by our side helping us through the difficult
times.
And as difficult as it might be to give thanks in all circumstances we must remember that is
what we are called to do. Think of it this way.
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Giving thanks reminds us that the Lord is close by.
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Giving thanks helps us constantly look for God's purpose in our lives.
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Being thankful is an essential ingredient for experiencing joy.
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Giving thanks to God helps focus our attention on Him rather than ourselves and our
circumstances.
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Giving thanks will help energize you.
"Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ, His Son..." Composer - Henry Smith – 1978
Submitted by Tony Cimorelli, PNC
December 27, 2014
The Lord is my Light
Psalm 119:105 ~ Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.
In the winter, one of the hardest things for me has always been the shortness of daylight. Since
I am aware of it, I try to find beauty during the winter that can only be found in the winter; a
branch with snow and red berries...the bare trees against a pink sunset...taking a walk at night
and seeing twinkling lights during the holidays, and cozy light coming from houses. The idea of
the Lord giving me a light for my path, especially in the winter when there is so much darkness,
gives me comfort and hope.
Matthew 5:16~ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven.
At this time of year, it's easy to become short with people and crabby at times. Shivering and
shoveling and wet gloves can do a number on our attitude! We have to try harder to let our
light shine, and to help others who are struggling much more than we are. Folks who are ill or
mired in debt or family issues need a smile and an offer of help. If we can reach out
and encourage someone, we are like a human flashlight that warms the heart!
John 12:35
Then Jesus said to them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light,
lest darkness come on you: for he that walks in darkness knows not where he goes.
This reminds me of the old saying "Make hay while the sun shines." Even on the coldest of
winter days, I know that the Lord is walking with me. I will try to 'make hay' and pass along His
gift of love to others I meet each day. I know where I am going when I follow the Lord.
Lord, thank you for the light that You are, for all of us. Help us to spread kindness and to put
your love into action, every chance we get. Help us to see the quiet beauty of winter, and to be
a reflection of Your love to all.
Amen
Submitted by Katy Webster, PNC
"There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries."
W. J. Cameron
December 28, 2014 C E L E B R A T I O N
In one sense, Christmas Day never catches anyone by surprise. We don't need a desk
calendar to know when it will occur. We may be unsure about the day of the week on which it
will fall, but there is a 100 percent certainty that it will land on December 25. That single date
becomes the target of our best and most intense feelings of generosity. Thoughts of "peace on
earth" and our spirit of joy and goodwill toward others are released almost simultaneously with
the celebration of Christmas.
But what about the rest of the year?
Why do we seem to hold the spirit of Christmas in reserve from January through
November, only to be released when the calendar page flips to December? Why are we likely to
be generous and charitable around Christmastime, but more tightfisted the rest of the year?
(There must be more to it than the year-end-deduction deadline for charitable contributions.)
Why do we emphasize family togetherness on Christmas Day but try to avoid our relatives the
remaining 364 days each year? Why do we give God a prominent role at Christmastime but
hardly notice Him the rest of year?
Doesn't it seem that the best of humanity comes out in December, while the worst of what
we are is suppressed during the Christmas season? On the other hand, during the eleven
remaining months of the year, we expose our worst qualities while our best ones are
conspicuously absent. It's as if we hold our good nature in reserve - like we only have a limited
amount of it - saving it up to let it out at Christmastime.
Imagine how your life - and the lives of people you impact - would be different if you
celebrated the Christmas spirit all year long:
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Every day, the atmosphere in your home would be more positive.
You'd give gifts to your friends and family for no other reason than your affection for
them.
You might serve meals at the soup kitchen each month, when your help was really
needed, instead of on Christmas Day when the volunteers outnumber the homeless.
You would attend church more than just once a year. (Think of the benefits: The parking
lot won't be so crowded ... there will be plenty of empty seats to choose from ... and, for
a change of pace, you'll get to hear a Bible passage that isn't the Christmas story.)
You'd make contributions to charitable organizations in months when their cash flow is
tight, rather than adding to the surplus that arrives in December.
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You could be especially courteous to store clerks during the Memorial Day sales when
the rest of the customers are rude and cranky.
You'd catch yourself humming Christmas carols in July (and that's not a bad thing).
Because the spirit of Christmas seems to bring out the best in us, shouldn't we celebrate
beyond the parameters of December? If Christmas makes us feel better about ourselves and
care more about others, why should we repress that spirit from January through November?
If you need an example of transformation that Christmas can make, think of the classic
literary character Ebenezer Scrooge. He had the humbug scared out of him and the spirit of
Christmas scared into him. After the transformational dream, he said, "I will honor Christmas in
my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
Once you try it, you may decide that living Christmas all year long is a great idea.
From "God Is in the Small Stuff at Christmas" , authors Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz, published by
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Lord, make me
an instrument of your peace;
Where there is injury,
pardon;
Where there is doubt,
faith;
Where there is despair,
hope;
Where there is darkness,
light;
Where there is sadness,
joy.
Amen
From the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Submitted by Christel Beers, PNC
December 29. 2014 The Importance of Reading Scripture
Scripture reference: II Timothy 3:14-15. "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and
become convinced of, because you know from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you
have known the Holy Scriptures." (NIV)
We understand II Timothy to be Paul's last letter, written from prison in Rome about 66 A.D. It
gives final instructions and encouragement to Timothy, emphasizing the importance of the
reading of Scriptures, which in Timothy's case included readings by his mother Eunice that began
when he was a child.
We are taught that the Scriptures are God's revealing Word: first, instructing us in the vital
connections between the Old and New Testaments (from promise to fulfillment, from law to
gospel), and second, demonstrating that we, as in Israel, fall into doubt, unbelief and repentance,
and then experience again God's help and faithfulness through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
To attain certainty and confidence in our church activities, we must stand on solid Biblical ground.
Submitted by Joe Streamer, New Beginnings Committee
Ref: "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
December 30, 2014
A New Beginning:
Becoming A Missional Church
Jesus reply to Pharissees about what is the greatest commandment In Matthew 22 : 3740: Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like
it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself”. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two
commandments.”
Are we more like Jesus including everyone in his Kingdom or more like Pharisees,
thinking that these values are exclusively reserved for Christians? Missional followers
of Jesus take seriously Jesus’ claim that loving one’s neighbor ranks right up there with
loving God. They see this as an obvious application of what it means to be a blessing
people. For God, it always counts when people love their neighbors, no matter who is
doing it. The kingdom of God plays out with every act of compassion.
There are three significant shifts in church leaders’ thinking and behavior that will allow congregations
to chart a course toward becoming truly a missional congregation:
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From internal to external ministry focus – ending the church as an exclusive social club
model
From Program Development to People Development: From running programs and
ministries to developing people as its core activity
From church-based leadership to Kingdom based and community-engaged leadership.
It is God centered not church centered. It is about putting God first and focusing on His
Kingdom and by blessing others in the community so that they feel and learn about
God’s love.
In a missional approach, as the church engages the world, it finds Jesus, whose home is
in the streets or wherever he has to go to connect with people he is pursuing, meaning
everybody. In a church centered world our responsibility is to bring people out of the
streets into the church. A kingdom –oriented approach seeks to bring the Word into
people’s lives right where they work, live and play. The church is wherever followers of
Jesus are. People don’t go to church; they ARE the church. They don’t bring people to
church. They bring the church to the people. Through a community of faith, all
members are encouraged to be faithful to God and to his mission as they live out being
the church in the world.
Dear God:
Please help us to be a blessing to ALL people. Help us to keep our focus on you and
your kingdom. Help us to share your love with others, wherever and whenever you
lead us. Remind us that it is not just about going to church. Enable us to BE THE
CHURCH in all that we do. Amen.
Julie Cimorelli
New Beginnings
December 31 ,2014
A Sound Foundation
Each year, as Christmas approaches, we all begin to start thinking about the New Year and what
it is we would like to accomplish during this spiritual season. Our lives are all very complicated
with many joys and concerns. One needs to try to focus on those happenings that cause us to
smile and give us that good all-over feeling, however difficult it may sometimes be, rather than
dwell on concerns, disappointments and worldly turmoil.
This Christmas season perhaps we could start thinking about those things that are necessary to
build a strong foundation for the future for ourselves and our church family. Together, as a
total team, we can accomplish magnificent strides in which we can all be proud.
This past year, I was privileged to be part of a team effort on our PNC Committee and am
particularly grateful for this time. I have never in all of my years of professional experience
encountered a group of people who worked together so diligently towards a common goal and
to set aside personal biases. All who participated were respectful, kind, caring and forgiving.
Even though it consumed great portions of our personal lives, I do not believe there was one
person who was regretful of giving of his/her time so generously.
During this Advent Season we are fortunate enough to have our new Pastor in place to allow us
to begin our new journey together. We all have tremendous anticipation for the future of HPC
with new leadership and the guidance of the New Beginnings Program. We now enjoy a
beacon of light to guide our way.
In Matthew 7:24-27 it states how important the basic components of a sound foundation will
cause all to prosper.
Blessings are wished for all. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Dick Reynolds, PNC
January 1, 2015
BELONGING TO GOD’S FAMILY
During this season, we are reminded of the importance of family, and in particular God’s family. God is
the parent that teaches through The Word on how to live life righteously. God is all knowing, knowing
us before we were born. God is eternal, the alpha and omega. God is creator, designing the threads of
life. God is all powerful, from unexplainable devastating storms to unimaginable miracles. God alone
elects and judges. God is all things – loving, gracious, jealous, merciful, judgmental… Followers of Jesus
Christ, listen to, obey and proclaim the Word of God, always striving in thought, word and deed to
please God.
Jesus answered them, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name
speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I
know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can
snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can
snatch them out of my father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:25-30
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.” John 14:23
“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they
have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:36-37
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even
the elect – if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.” Matthew 24:24-25
Martyn Lloyd-Jones (20th Century physician and Welsh Presbyterian minister) wrote: “I do not
understand that mentality in the Christian Church today which says that we must all come together and
sink our differences; and that what we believe does not matter. It is a denial of the Book of the Acts of
the Apostles, and of the story of the twelve ignorant, untutored and unlettered men who knew whom
and what they believed, and who had the power of the Spirit upon them, and who ‘turned the world
upside-down’. This is surely one of the central messages of the Bible. The great concern of the New
Testament Epistles is not about the size of the Church, it is about the purity of the Church. …There is an
exclusiveness in the New Testament that is quite amazing. …As Luther said, ‘Here I stand, I can do no
other, so help me God!’ And God did help him. Of course He did! God will always honour His truth and
the man who stands for it. Of course such a man will meet criticism and sarcasm and derision; much
mud will be thrown upon him. But that does not matter. The man who continues to stand, and who is
ready to die for the truth of God, will have ‘the peace of God that passeth all understanding’ in his heart
and mind. He will say with the Apostle Paul, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.’”
God, I prayerfully praise your magnificent power and knowledge. I fail to recall that worship is not just
for Sunday morning, but for every day. I am fallen when I do not abide your words to me, as they are as
true today as when you had them written down. I admit that I am incapable at times to understand the
world you created and that you alone will judge. I fail to remember that every moment is a precious
moment given freely to me and that it is not to be squandered. Help me to live life righteously. AMEN
Submitted by Guy K. Hummel, PNC
Sola Scriptura
January 2, 2015 Cooperation and Participation
Working with others on a common goal
Proverbs 6:6 “Go to the ants, you sluggard; and consider its way and be wise.”
At the first and every PNC meeting we opened with prayer and a devotional time. Our
guide was a book called The ABC’s of Wisdom by Ray Pritchard. The book is set up with 101
devotions related to words from accountability to wisdom. We used this to seek wisdom, and
to get to know each other and to make sure we put God and his words first in everything we
did.
The one I want to highlight is one that spoke to my experience and me on the PNC.
Cooperation – working with others on a common goal. Ray Pritchard says that ants are
mentioned in only one book of the Bible, in Proverbs 6:6 and 30:25. Both are worth
considering. Solomon invites us to study the ant for the purpose of learning wisdom. What do
ants; bugs with little strength have to show us? How about cooperation and participation. Ant
are social insects and form colonies. They were farming and planning ahead before man was on
earth. Ant keep working even if the task appears to be beyond their abilities.
It was a great joy to be on the PNC. Everyone brought his or her own gifts and skills.
Not only did they bring them but used those gifts freely; like the ants in Proverbs.
There is a lesson here about individual weaknesses and united strengths. There is a lesson
about working together for the greater good. There is also a lesson about participating; not
waiting for someone else to do it. Don’t be afraid of your individual weaknesses, our
congregation needs all of us to be participation in some way. Together we will do might things!
Do you know the song “When the ants came marching in”? The ants go marching two
by two hurrah, hurrah. We can accomplish more for God’s kingdom on earth if we work
together. Cooperation and participation are words of wisdom – just watch the ant!
Submitted by Russell Rich, PNC
January 3, 2015
Rejoice
Philippians 4: 4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The
Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I love this Bible message! It reminds me that the Lord is always with me and that no matter
what issues I may be having, I need not be anxious- God has my back!
Sometimes life can be overwhelming- whether it’s a tragic, life altering event, or many smaller
issues piling up on you (or both!). Many things in our lives are out of our control. It is important
to remember that in our times of struggle and despair, we must place our burdens at the Lord’s
feet in prayer. This will help us with the stress that comes with worrying- God will provide the
strength and support we need. This can occur in any number of ways-for example:
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From within-God provides courage and strength to face each day.
From others- God provides support through people-a hug, a call, a meal, a sermon.
From situations- God provides different things to help us in different settings.
A hymn I sang often in my childhood comes to mind when I feel overwhelmed:
Leave It There
Charles A. Tindley 1916
If the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold,
And you have to get along with meager fare,
Just remember, in His Word, how He feeds the little bird;
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If your body suffers pain and your health you can’t regain,
And your soul is almost sinking in despair,
Jesus knows the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal;
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
Refrain
When your enemies assail and your heart begins to fail,
Don’t forget that God in Heaven answers prayer;
He will make a way for you and will lead you safely through.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
Refrain
When your youthful days are gone and old age is stealing on,
And your body bends beneath the weight of care;
He will never leave you then, He’ll go with you to the end.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
Refrain
So remember- He’s got this!
1Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Sandy Smith, PNC and New Beginnings Committee
January 4, 2015
The Comfort Zone
Here is how it starts with me: I get settled into a weekly routine. This routine usually involve
work, activities with the kids, house and yard maintenance, meals, exercise, dinner with my
wife, walking the dog, church meetings, juggling schedules, etc. The next 168 (7dx24hr) hours
are accounted for.
Next I hit repeat, and somewhere along the line I hit repeat again, and again. The comfort zone
has been created and cruise control has been set. I got this. Mild challenges spring up here and
there, but no sweat, I got this. The big picture slips away into routine. The decisions are
easy…just “maintain”.
Then this happens: God presses pause on my routine, throws down the challenge and steps
into MY comfort zone. It shouldn’t surprise me because this has all happened before (many
times). The challenge arrives in many forms: A phone call from a friend at work or church, a
family member’s visit and subtle request, an organization looking for help, and most
often…from a thought that sprouts inside of me via God.
I start by worrying (for me it is about 5.5 days of worry). How can I make this work? My days
and nights are booked solid; there is no space for this. I’m trying to keep my business afloat and
the kids involved and active. The alarm goes off…my comfort zone has just been invaded. Doubt
sets in. I start to pray.
How it ends: Challenge accepted. Time to take that leap of faith and act on God’s request. At
the end of the day I look back on the experience. It was rewarding, I met lifelong friends, I made
a difference, I helped others that needed my gifts and I listened to God.
Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
The takeaway: Listen for God’s challenge, have faith, step outside your comfort zone.
Repeat…and repeat.
Joshua 1:9. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and
do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Shawn Ferro, PNC
January 5, 2015
A Father’s Love
“A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the
lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing.” (Psalm 68:5-6)
“O Lord you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are the work of your
hands.” (Isaiah 64:8)
“Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4)
“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8)
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your
Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
I remember when I was a little girl my mother used to tell me “it’s not the baring, it’s the
caring” and I remember thinking that she was so right. That it didn’t matter if she or my dad
was my biological parents or not, all that mattered was that they loved me and I knew that they
loved me. God sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, and Christ was blessed to have two
father’s; one in heaven and one on earth . . . some of us know what it is like to never have a
father, or to have broken relationships with our father, or to have not just one loving father but
more than one, a step-father, second father, father in heaven . . . God loved Joseph, Joseph
loved Jesus, Jesus loved us enough to die on the cross for us . . . so when you think about your
life and how you have been loved or hurt by love think about how Jesus was loved and then
loved you enough to be the one that would take on your hurt, heartache and pain . . . that he
loves you and that love is yours no matter what . . . he is your wonderful counselor, your mighty
God, your everlasting father and your prince of peace . . . may the Love of Christ be with you
now and always . . .
Rev. Rachel Brown
January 6, 2015
THE MAGI
Numbers 24:16-17. ".......the oracle of one who hears the word of God, who has knowledge from
the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are
opened: I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a
scepter will rise out of Israel."
Matthew 2:1-2. "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,during the time of King Herod,
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born King of
the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him'" (NIV)
We understand the Magi, members of a priestly caste, were from Persia (now Iran) and had
traveled many miles following a star to Jerusalem, finally arriving in Bethlehem to pay homage
to the infant Jesus. The occasion of this visit by the Magi (the three Wise Men) is observed as
Epiphany, also called the Twelfth Day. It was at this time that the Wise Men would have
presented their expensive gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for allowing us to behold the awesome majesty of the events
surrounding the birth of our Savior, and for blessing us with the presence of the Holy Spirit in our
lives. And please help us to share this blessing with others. Amen
Joe Streamer, New Beginnings Committee