Well, that’s a wrap for another year. I pray you all have an incredible holiday reflecting on the wondrous gift of Jesus’ birth and our salvation that comes from that. Take time to explore His story throughout the Scriptures and marvel at the detail He puts into everything. I am now on holiday until Wednesday, January 5th. I look forward to reconnecting with you all and sharing some surprises upon my return. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hope in Him, Rachel

One thing I love about this season is to take a trip back in time. Every morning I read some of the prophecies concerning Jesus. Conservative estimates say that He fulfilled at least 300 in his earthly life. What a boost to my faith to be reminded again.

It was a dark night …in a dark season …in a dark world when LIGHT entered.

As we approached 2021, Michael and I began to ask the Lord what our next steps should be when we paid off the mortgage. We both felt for years that there was something significant on the other side of accomplishing this goal for Him.

…What a phenomenal thought! Two babies still within the womb greet each other with a grand response of joy! The Holy Spirit was at work. The response of John led to Elizabeth and Mary rejoicing together and prophesying in song to the Lord…

Do you have a special prayer you ask the Lord for each Christmas? Have you waited for a present for years only to get it when you stop asking?

Can you imagine waiting over 42 generations for a something to be fulfilled? Christmas was a long-awaited promise fulfilled at the perfect moment in time.

My brother and I had Santa come to our house for a quick and special visit every Christmas Eve. He’d bring us a couple of gifts before heading out on his big trip around the world. This one Christmas proved to be an extra special surprise my parents didn’t even know about. This little gift created quite the ‘experience’ for our wee family.

As the shepherds approached the baby, they couldn’t help but fall on their knees in worship. The very cry of this little child held great authority. The shepherds hearts were filled with amazement. This truly was the Messiah. They could feel it down to the very marrow of their bones. “The King has come to dwell among us,” they whispered to one another.

Being a grade 3 teacher is a humbling experience. Yes, it’s a joy. Yes, it’s a privilege. But, boy is it edifying! If you’re a parent, a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle, a Sunday school teacher, or if you’ve ever just been around kids, you might know what I’m talking about. Kids have a special way of pushing us to our limits and causing us to see our own shortcomings.