2011 is winding down to its last few days, and Christmas is only two days away.Linda and I want to take this opportunity to wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our friends, at home, and around the world!
Christmas is a busy time. Decorations are out. Shopping is being done. Get togethers are underway for church, business, and families. For a few short days, we take a break from most of the cares and worries of life and bask in the glow of the Christmas holiday.
At Christmas time, during this season of gift giving, I am always reminded of the greatest gift ever given (John 3:16) and of all the blessings that come with that gift, to those who believe.
I am thankful for Jesus. Thankful for the fact that He, alone, brings access to a personal relationship with Almighty God. Thankful for the family of God into which I have been adopted. Thankful for the forgiveness, grace, and mercy that He has brought to my life. Thankful for the treasures of eternal and abundant life that reside in this temporary earthen vessel. Thankful for a peace that passes earthly understanding and a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. Thankful for the ultimate healing that He has brought to my never dying soul.
When we celebrate His advent during this very special time of the year, I always try to focus on the true reason He came to earth. He came, not just to be the Holy Child in the stable, but the one who came to show us the Father - the one who came to reconcile us to Him - the Lamb of God who became our sacrifice - the risen Savior with healing in His wings.
As we celebrate His first coming, nearly 2000 years ago, let us look forward with anticipation to His coming again - not as a helpless baby in an obscure stable - but as King of King and Lord of Lords!
We wish you all the blessings and joy of knowing that you are His - at Christmas time, and all 365 days of the year!
Until He Comes,
C.J. and Linda Adkins
I am reading your Blog on Christmas Day as I sit with my father, Eskel Kitchen, who is oneof Maude Kitchen's children. My father is very ill and hearing me read about his mom was a wonderful moment for him! Eskel, otherwise known as Tiny, and now Popa, lives in Avon Lake, Ohio which is a suburb of Cleveland. He has 2 children and 4 grandchildren. I am his daughter and can be reached at milkiej@wlake.org. I still email my Aunts Susan and Margie. Did you know them too? Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteKathy and I extend warm Christmas greetings to you Pastor Adkins and your family. We hope this Christmas season finds you well and enjoying the abundant life to the fullest. We thank the Lord for His goodness to us these past 12 months as 2018 makes room for 2019. The Good Lord has supplied our every need, granted us good health and blessed us with dear family and friends like you. As we reflect upon this blessed Christmas season and the New Year to come, we are thankful for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the personal relationship He allows us to have with Him each day. May you and your loved ones enjoy the true meaning of Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Son of the Living God. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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