Hope!

Christmas Eve allows us to meditate and reflect on the great promises that we find in the story of the birth of Christ. One of these promises is hope. We are presently facing some very trying circumstances in our nation and around the world. We are confronting the war on terrorism, the continuing economic struggles, and the stress that these and other challenges are bringing to our families. But I ask you to take another look in the manger this year and realize that we can have our hope renewed and strengthened. God has not forsaken you and neither has His Word lost any of its power. God is prepared to come along side of you in your moments of challenge. Allow your hope to be revived as you face the storms and challenges of life. Let us pray one for another that God's mercy and grace will be present in the lives of those who need Him the most. Ann and I are looking forward to the Christmas Eve service at Eastside Praise. It is always a blessing to be able to worship God on this special day of Christian celebration. Although I do not need a "holiday" to worship God; I am blessed by the unique opportunity of Christmas to be able to focus my attention on the Savior, Jesus Christ.