Greetings to you in the name of God’s gift wrapped in prophecy, history, and mystery, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour. What a great first day of winter 2016-17 … don’t groan because spring is just around a corner or two. These days, I am sure, are challenging for you on so many levels, therefore today I will be praying for you, asking Father to grant you many ‘re-fueling stops’ along the waty.
I want to share four guidelines about handling the stress of Christmas. They are part of a ministry article I received and though they were directed at pastors/leaders, I think there is application for all. First, don’t skimp on your alone time with God. Second, surrender your need to be ‘perfect’ and have everything ‘perfect’. Third, do not ‘do’ more than what God is asking you to ‘do’. Fourth, remember the greatest gift we can give is ourselves. I think these are spiritualized bits of what your mother used to tell you.
Second thing I want to share with you today is an insight to this geographical area we live in – the St.Thomas-Elgin area. Almost thirty percent of our population is first and second generation immigrants – representing 86 different countries (the top for being Mexico, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and United States). There are 58 different languages spoken (top four being German, Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese). Immigrants have their home here for economic, family, and humanitarian reasons.. Therefore when we pray for the people and churches of our area, we are affecting the world, in a manner of extension. We can be ‘missionaries’ without ever leaving our comfort zone.
Some things to think about – be blessed!