MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Once again the sun is shining, the line-ups at the seafood market are HUGE and the beaches are bustling with 'Santa's' wearing surf shorts and sunscreen.  Yes, Christmas has come to Australia and we are looking forward to the fun, family, and rest that is a part of this sacred holiday.

It's hard to imagine that in some parts of the world, while we are running around buying last minute gifts and food for the table, preparing for Christmas Eve services and Christmas Morning church - many are going without, many are hungry, alone or simply unaware of the significance of this season.

Matthew 1:23 declares, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which means 'God with us'…

God is WITH US…what a promise! Long ago, when Christ was born in a stable, wrapped and resting in a manger, many did not know that their Saviour had come! For years Jesus was surrounded by people that did not recognise His true identity - and many were unaware that the Messiah walked on their streets, dwelled in their everyday presence, and conducted life in the cities that they lived in.

In the very same way, in the midst of what can so often become a holiday of great distraction and worldly influence; I encourage you to recognise EMMANUEL.  

Though the Christmas baking, so lovingly iced and wrapped, the gifts perfectly taped and tied, the guests all pleasantly filling your home are a glorious addition to this season; I challenge you to remember that Jesus, the very meaning of LOVE is HERE.  He is WITH US.

I believe that when we stop and look we will recognise GOD WITH US in the generosity of others, in the provision of a Christmas meal, in the atmosphere of JOY and the freedom of LIFE in this country and abroad.  I HOPE that you will find EMMANUEL, by loving one another, being in fellowship with one another, and in the promise of eternal life that was gifted to us so long ago on the very first Christmas morning.

I pray that this season you will discover LOVE - One for Another, JOY - in the knowledge that God is with us, PEACE - in the midst of any circumstance and LIFE - in the promise that God came to give us abundance, and that HE continues to dwell among us, even today.

Merry Christmas and Blessings on your 2010,

With Love,
Brian and Bobbie