December, 2008

  

Dear Grace Family,

            The world we live in this Christmas-time is a little different from the world of Christmas 2007.  Ours is a world in economic turmoil.  Everyday we wake up wondering what the news will bring.  Will the Dow or the S & P or the NASDAQ be up or down and by how much? How about the unemployment rate or the housing market? What’s going to happen to the “Big Three” American auto manufacturers?  Is there any end in sight to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? And on and on….
            We’ve elected a new president who must soon lead us through this minefield of danger and fear.  Can Barack Obama do it? 
            Today’s world is indeed a darker world than Christmas-time 2007.  And in many ways, it is a darker world than the one into which the Lord Jesus was born 2000 years ago.
            More than 700 years before Christ, the prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.  On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” 
            This was good news then and it remains good news now.  A few verses later, in verse 6, the prophet declares (using a “prophetic present tense”) “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”  This child, or son, will be that great light. These many years later we still need that light and our Savior Jesus remains the Light of the World.  The prophet Isaiah introduces a world leader such as the world had never seen—an invincible leader striding onto the world scene, a gracious commander, a deliverer, a wonderful counselor whose wisdom exceeds any ordinary human.  He would be called Mighty God for he would be God. As Everlasting Father, he would be a benevolent protector; as a good father cares for his family, so this child, or son, would care for his people.  He would also be the Prince of Peace, a ruler whose reign will bring about peace because the nations will rely on his just decisions in their disputes. 
            The king whom Isaiah describes will deliver beyond the best of David or Solomon or any other human king, because this king will be divine, his leadership flawless. We need such a king don’t we? 
            My Advent messages will introduce once again this Unique World Leader, the Lord Jesus Christ, “A Savior for our Time.”  My heart’s desire will be to present the Lord Jesus as the ultimate world leader, who will one day lead as the King over all the earth.  For now, he reigns over His people, the Church.   For all who receive Him as Savior and Lord, he is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. 
            I hope you will be with us for each of these special Sundays leading up to our Christmas Eve celebration!  It’s a great season for inviting a loved one or friend to worship with you! 

Special events:

Dec.  1 (Mon), 6:30     Church Decorating
            Dec.  7 (Sun), 4:00     Community Carol Festival, St. Paul’s Lutheran
            Dec. 14 (Sun), 4:00    Church Christmas Program
            Dec. 17 (Wed), 6:30   AWANA Party
            Dec. 24 (Wed), 4:00   Christmas Eve Service

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Other notes of interest:
            Grace families and individuals have committed $33,000 for missions in 2008-09, the most ever.  Praise God!  This allows us to add two new missionaries this year, Eric and Janet Johnson, working with Latinos in Illinois, and also Tom Burnett, Nett Lake youth worker.  It has been observed that those who give are more likely to pray, so best of all we should pray more this year than ever before!
            Continue to pray for the Youth Minister search process.  We have some good potential candidates for the position, and will soon be calling references for these applicants.  Following these phone calls we will arrange personal interviews with each applicant.  We may have a candidate to present to the church early in the new year.   
            I am glad to be part of a church that is growing in its prayer life and where people are increasingly hungry for God and His Word, and for fellowship with one another.  Special thanks to all who prayed for the Bob Stevens family following the death of their grandson Jordan who passed away in his sleep on November 15.  We have seen God answering prayers!    
            Joyfully serving God with you,
            Pastor Doug