Keeping Christmas Throughout the Year

by Don Brueske, Chairman

As you pick up this newsletter to read and reflect upon the Christmas we have just celebrated in our congregation, I would like to call your attention to two familiar texts. They are Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6-7. Pastor Robert Fallt made reference to these passages in his message, "Send out the Cards!"

We have sent out the cards and we have received cards. We have given gifts and we have received gifts. The wrapping paper has gone out with the garbage. The gifts that we have received are already being worn, are on a shelf, or are put away in a closet. Some of them may be in a bag waiting to be exchanged at a local department store.

After one more week, we will all be back to our normal work, school and family routines. Some of us are already thinking of the coming of spring. Others are finalizing vacation plans for the summer -- or maybe you should in order to secure a reservation for that desired cabin at Lake Wobegone. Christmas and New Years have passed, and we are looking forward with anticipation to the coming of Easter time - with the blooming of flowers and the approaching fun of summer activities. What better things are there to do while we are just now experiencing what seems to be a true Minnesota winter!

The promise from the prophet Isaiah found in chapter 9:6-7 came at a difficult time in the history of the kingdom of Judah. Isaiah was advisor to Judah's King Ahaz. This was a treacherous time in the divided kingdom. The Northern kingdom of Israel had formed an alliance with Syria, against Assyria. This alliance was causing a serious invasion threat to both Israel and Judah. God used Isaiah to warn King Ahaz against joining this alliance. He was encouraged to put his trust, and that of his people, in God alone.

King Ahaz was told by the Lord to ask for a sign to confirm His promised protection. When King Ahaz did not comply, the Lord said to Ahaz:

The above passage, and that of Isaiah 9:6-7, are direct fulfilments of the Lord's promise that an amazing child would be born, who would live and grow up without being harmed in his life time. As King Ahaz and Judah's people observed this special child from day to day, it was a sign of great encouragement from God, Himself, of his great love and protection for them.

The secondary and ultimate fulfilment of these two passages of scripture was accomplished when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, who subsequently died on a cross in Jerusalem and rose from the grave on Easter morning. And the benefits resulting from this amazing child will continueforever (Isaiah 9:7b)!

What do these two scripture passages mean for us today? Is it an encouragement just at Christmas time in the month of December? No, it is God's promise to us, and to all people everywhere, who trust in His Son, the amazing child. It is forever, all through the year and through all succeeding years. Hallelujah, God with us always, and forever! And for all days and succeeding years from Jesus birth. Jehovah God, Jesus, Immanuel - He is with us and is for us! He is Wonderful indeed, our Counselor, our Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, and our Prince of Peace! And some day soon, He will come again as our King, governing here on earth forever.

Each one of His above mentioned names could be studied at length. However, let us look very briefly at just the name Prince of Peace. When Jesus was born, many recognized that the peace that God promised had indeed finally come. But what about today, now that Christmas is over?

One author that I have recently been reading suggests that there are three areas in which we now have peace. First, we now have peace with God (Romans 5:1), through having been made right with Him because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Could there be a better person to relate to in peaceful terms than our Creator?

Second, we have peace in our present daily circumstances. Jesus said, "My peace I give you" (John 14:27). The apostle Paul wanted the believers to whom he wrote to experience "the peace of God which transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).

Finally, we have peace with others, because the Prince of Peace tore down "the dividing wall of hostility" (Ephesians 2:14). Preserving this peace takes diligence and a determined effort on our part! Is it worthwhile? Yes, because we all have received His spirit and are members of one body -- His body (Ephesians 3:15).

Let's Keep Christmas For All Year And Forever!

Looking Forward to Future Sundays

Council Positions Available

At our next Quarterly Business Meeting, scheduled for February 13, 2001, the congregation will vote for the following positions:

• Council Vice Chairman, 2 yr. term
• Church Treasurer, 2 yr. term
• Four Council members, each 2 yr. terms

These church Council positions will be voted upon at the February meeting. Persons elected will take office June 1, 2001.

Currently the Nominations Committee has four vacant positions (elected from the congregation with the chairman being selected from one of those four positions). This means essentially that the Nominations Committee is not able to function in accordance with our current by-laws.

Therefore, we are asking qualified church members to seriously pray about your own nomination for one of the above positions. The challenges and growth opportunities are unlimited as you will be working for our Lord and Savior, and sharing ministry opportunities with many of his choice servants.

For those feeling God's Holy Spirit moving you to say "yes", then please talk to Dean Larson, Ralph Roberts or to me.

-Don Brueske, Council Chairman

  Prayer Projects Participants…

…How is it going with the projects you signed up for in the fall?

We'd be interested in any feedback you have, either on the registration cards in the Sunday service, or to any of the Prayer Committee members: Carol Dale, Grace Elasky, Mark Mellema, Cindy Sawyer, Bob and Lois Chapman.

It is possible that you may have misplaced your Prayer Reminder Card. Just let us know and we'll see you get a duplicate. God asks each of us "to be faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12). If there is any way that the prayer committee can help you with that, do let us know.

- Bob Chapman