“This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load”
– Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming
Dear friends,
Christmastime is often a low time for our scheme. As the darkness and cold increases, people are more isolated, struggle on with mental ill health and addictions, and often face increased pressures and poverty/hunger. But it is into the very midst of our suffering and hopelessness that Christ came. And it is the loveliness of Christ that, with glorious splendour, dispels the darkness everywhere. So Christ we proclaim and Christ we worship because it is Christ who is our light and life. What a beautiful grace that we get to celebrate and proclaim Immanuel in this darkest part of the year. He is our hope and joy, our Great Redeemer. True man, yet very God, From sin and death He saves us, and lightens every load.
Hallelujah, thanks be to God.
Ways to pray:
Thank you for continuing on in prayer on our behalf. What a grace to me and to our brothers & sisters in Merkinch. Please do continue to pray for our church planting team as well as for all the dear people of Merkinch. We all need Jesus!
Some specific people come to mind for prayer….
Please pray on for my friend the Bicycle Lady. She came to our Bible study this week which is an absolutely huge answer to prayer. And she has been very open about talking about Jesus. Please keep interceding for her.
There are several other people that come to mind who have been really wrestling with the Gospel. Please pray for them. Pray they will surrender to Jesus and accept the great freedom and grace He gives.
There are so many people to pray for – I could go on and on. But I trust that the Lord will lead you as you pray and listen to Him! Thank you for your fruitful labor of intercession.
Adios & Feliz Navidad
I will be taking a hiatus from these posts until just after the New Year as I will be taking a time of purposeful rest. But even so I will not forget you all and will continue to thank the Lord for you and your partnership in the gospel. Keep sticking close to Jesus, friends. And may the great joy of Jesus be with you this Christmas!
“Let our gladness have no end
Hallelujah!
For to earth did Christ descend
Hallelujah!”
Happy Christmas,
Claire
Claire in Scotland 