Christmas Letters

Christmas! When it comes right down to it, all that really matters is Jesus!

Have you ever analyzed the Christmas letters you receive? This year I’ve noticed some are an organ recital ~ you know, all about the past year’s surgeries. Others would win a grandchild bragging rights contest ~ hands down! Many center on the fantastic trips the family took since last they wrote. Jobs and career moves may be the focus of a few. Some are really fun to read and we look forward to receiving them each year. And then there are those from mission agencies with a return envelope enclosed! I won’t go there!

That said, I’ll bet you’re wondering what I’m going to write about, eh? Actually, I’ve been putting off writing a Christmas letter this year because I couldn’t think of anything I wanted to say. It's not that our year has been ordinary, to say the least. We completed our fiftieth year of marriage; traveled extensively; served on a mission team; and are working full time. Other than that ~~ ;-)

But, I don't want to talk about any of those things. I want to get all spiritual on you and talk about prayer. We're seeing some awesome changes because of a prayer revival!! We are priviledged to be a part of a prayer Task Force that's waiting on God to see our church become a House of Prayer. For several years we've prayed weekly with two groups that are eager to see God bring people to himself in North America and around the world through our prayers.

We're learning to "walk in the Lord's presence as we live here on earth." (Ps 116:9 nlt), talking with him (praying) about people and needs as the Spirit brings them to our minds. As I work on furnishing a prayer room at church, I'm compiling a prayer library and reading Discover the Power in the Prayers of Paul, by David Bordon. This wonderful treatise on the fifteen prayers of Paul is so good!! I recommend it.

I'm using a prayer edition of the Bible right now. It's full of sidebar insights and prayers using the scripture. There are prayer paths and other rich topical commentaries. It's just wonderful! Want to grow in your prayer life? It's a good place to start. I could go on and on.

One of the best Christmas gifts we ever received was daily prayer partners, the idea of our son, who asked seven friends to pray for us, each taking one day of the week. It's been such a joy for us to pray for them on "their day," assured they're doing the same for us. We've called on them often when we've faced big decisions, difficult times, and life threatening illness. They are our lifeline.

My prayer for you this year is that you get to know God and his son, Jesus, so well that it's second nature to talk to them. And that you and the Holy Spirit will become so close that you know exactly what he wants you to pray for.

Merry Christmas!