Merry Christmas!
As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, we can't help but think of also celebrating his return. He came that we might know the Truth, receive his gift of salvation and have life abundant for eternity. How we look forward with anticipation to that Day and it is because of Christmas that we can! In 2 Thessalonians 1:10 [The Message] it says, ". . . on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe . . . ." Oh, what a day of rejoicing that will be! He won't be wrapped in rags in a lowly stable, but exalted to such a state that every knee will bow (Romans 14:11) – whether a Believer or not. Doesn't that just take your breath a way?
"Because we know this extraordinary day is just ahead," our prayer for you this Christmas season is as 2 Thessalonians continues . . . "that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be . . . .that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something." The Scripture goes on to say that if we honor the name of Jesus, he will honor us. It is so hard to imagine the Almighty God honoring us in our faulty humanity, but he does, his "Grace is behind and through all of this . . . the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely." The revelation of this great truth began for us on Christmas Day when he entered the world as our Savior. Hallelujah!
Dear One, let's remain "steady and determined in our faith despite all the hard times that have come down on us." Continue to give thanks and praise to the One who is able to keep us no matter what happens around us. What joy and peace come with such recognition.
We are so grateful to have you in our lives as a ministry partner. This is just one way God shows his great love for us. Every time we sense your love and commitment we are deeply blessed and encouraged. Whether it is this year or 1000 years from now, someday we will rejoice and celebrate together in Heaven when we see how God used us both to Glorify Him despite our frailties! If you are like us, you can hardly wait! In the meantime we continue to do what he called us to do and trust we can bring many into Heaven with us by sharing the Truth that He, the Christ Child incarnate, came to stand in the gap between our sin and God's inability to look on sin so that we might have an eternal destiny in Heaven with him. It is heartbreaking to think of those who discover too late they will be forever banished from his mighty presence because they rejected the only one who could save them. Certainly that fervently spurs us all on to proclaim the wonder of his amazing love and salvation, as we remember and celebrate the joy of his birth.
He is Truly the Reason for the Season. May your Christmas Celebration be Merry and Bright, as you Reflect His Light to the World,
Tim and Ev
Slavic Missionary Service International, Inc. /Support Gifts-Indicate for T. Semenchuk: P.O. Box 307, South River, NJ 08882 / Tim & Ev Home: 17454 Plaza Otonal, San Diego, CA 92102 / Tim's mobile: 619 208 0292 / Email: timsemenchuk@sbcglobal.net
