Dear Level10 family & friends,
In a crude, smelly stable, dimly behind a Bethlehem inn men of diversity shuffled to prostrate themselves on a muddy straw lined floor, humbled in the awesome awareness of God’s presence.
Some were men of high breeding and influence, wealthy and highly educated, scholars of noble and royal descent and certainly, according to scripture, men described as wise.
Others were common people, uneducated, poor shepherds yet all stood astonished in wonder and were united in the awareness that God had caused them to witness this very unique special birth. Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world had arrived to rescue all, God is no respecter of persons.
“In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. ………………….He is Lord of all …….”
(Acts 10 v 34-36)
At this time of Roman rule, tyranny and oppression fuelled despair and hopelessness, God chose to arrive on the scene and the greatest story ever told unfurled.
The greatest conquest and victory ever achieved or imagined! The greatest example of love ever known.
God continues to manifest His glory through time and seasons. Over the centuries and corridors of time He comes and He now stands amongst us on the threshold of 2021. Amid the Covid-19 threat, amid the despair, the desolation, the hopelessness, the isolation. Amid the jingle bells, the tinsel, the reindeers, the penguins and the secular commercialism, He remains “the reason for the season!” He changes not, He is Lord!
To those who will, in trust and in faith, allow Him to enter their lives there is the reality and revelation of the miracle of salvation. Joy unspeakable, Peace beyond understanding and Hope eternal.
Jesus said:
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14 v 27)
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13 v 5)
Never in all my life have I been so aware of people’s desperation for answers. When so much has been stripped away people are asking questions on the purpose and reason for life. People feel empty and alone, insecure and desperate for a future. God desires we urgently tell the Good News to all people, just as the angel told the shepherds at Bethlehem:
“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2 v 10-11)
Heaven tells us not to be afraid, God has been manifest in the flesh to make Himself known to us all, because He cares. Jesus is on the scene to save! Truly He only is the hope of the world!
Jesus said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
(John 14 v 6)
Friends, receive afresh God’s gift to you this Christmas, take Jesus into your life and unwrap the fullness of God’s love for you. It’s astounding!
Level10 church family I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of myself and my wife Jude, to thank you for your prayers, love and encouragement this year and to thank you for your faithful commitment to our determination, as a church, to serve our heavenly Father.
We look forward to an exciting and fruitful 2021.
Wishing you all Happy Christmas and a blessed, healthy New Year full of promise.
Much love in Jesus
Terry (elder)