Minister Messages Christmas 2023

By Submitted, Heather Block

December 12, 2023

 Where Will You Abide?

Psalm 84 

 Dennis Kresier, Layperson, Last Mountain Anglican Parish

Several months ago, I was doing some repairs on a soffit of our church. Apparently, the eaves became blocked by leaves & other debris. This backed up the water and created a hole the size of two hands, in the soffit. During repairs I noticed several bird nests in the hole and cleared them. They were made by sparrows and swallows. While proceeding with the repairs, I was reminded of Psalm 84 where it states, “How lovely are Thy dwellings, O Lord of Hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the Courts of the Lord, my heart and soul cry out to the Living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young-even your altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house.” Our great God has given the birds of the air the common sense to build & abide where and when the opportunity avails itself. 

As we approach the Christmas Season, may I ask, “Where will you abide?” Over 2000 years ago, God sent His Son to be born in a manger, and some 33 years later, to die on a Roman cross to bring us salvation, and to take us to that abode in glory when we depart this life. Jesus told us that He has gone to prepare a place for us & that in His Father’s House, there are many rooms-room enough for all of us-free of charge & that includes, You. Have you made your reservation? Christmas was God’s idea, not ours! He gave us His Son as a gift of His love. The gift we can give in return, is ourselves. That is all the thanks that He requires. Just accept His Divine forgiveness & be sure to know where you will be abiding. Thank you, Lord, for your incredible Gift! A Blessed Christmas to All. 

The Scandal of Christmas

A young Jewish bride to be, Mary, says she is pregnant, but has never had sex with a man. She claims that the baby within her was put there by God. And is God!!

From Pastor Paul Ens

The husband to be, Joseph, considers trying to keep this quiet, but then he claims that an angel appears to him and says “what your wife to be says is true! Don’t leave her.”