Jeff's Journal

Here we are on December 21st and there is

   no need to wear a coat today.

There is rain, but its a warm rain.

There are other surprises.

Between our special Christmas offering

   to be used for local folks

   and the Alternative Giving

      we have raised over $8,000 in December.

Tracy and I were invited for a last minute interview

   on 90.7 The Wind radio station to talk about

   the Blue Christmas service. They will continue

   to promote the service for us.

We continue to be delighted with gifts

   of homemade breads, cookies, nuts,

   Alternative Gifts, books and bonuses.

The Cantata was a blessing to those of us

   who sang and we hope to those who listened.

This is the first Christmas for many of you

   with a new grandchild or child in the family.

It is also the first Christmas many of you will spend

   without a beloved child, parent, grandparent or

   sibling.

But to everyone this season, be reminded that

   you have a Savior who knows everyone of your

   losses through his own experience.

Jesus knew the heightened stress of disapproval.

He knew the stress of a teacher whose students

   don't get the message and couldn't pass the test.

He lost someone who was like family in Lazarus

   and he wept. It is important for us to know

   Jesus had real feelings and even he could not

   heal his own broken heart — God had to heal it.

He knew the heartbreak of parents whose children

  who lost their way, adults who could not

   have a successful long-term relationship and

   families who suffered through agonizing illness.

What most impresses me, is that he always went

   to those who needed him most. He wasn't distracted

   by the "bright lights", or fame and fortune.

He found people with tears in their eyes

   and wrapped them in his love.

He will do the same for you.

Jesus is the joy we seek this Christmas.

Moving to the deeper places,

Jeff