The wrong shall fail, the right prevail!

This is our family rolodex advent calendar (homemade) with 25 different pictures. Each one has a pocket with a different Bible verse. Todays verse is Matthew 1:18 which announces the birth of Jesus.

As we close out another year, December is a great time to reflect back over 2020.  For some it was the toughest year with continual setbacks and disappointments.  Adding to family challenges was covid-19 which for some had a devastating effect.  So another year is almost past.  I encourage you to ‘not dwell on the past’ but look to the future for God to show His grace and love.  With Christmas being just a few days away, I just heard the song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”.  I am going to take the word wonderful to mean, Christ’s birth.    

The Bible challenges us over and over to use our adversity to strengthen our faith and trust in God.  Take God at his word by claiming Philippians 4:19 “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches…” Put your faith into action and don’t convince yourself that God may or may not supply your needs. 

Two of my favorite December things to do besides family, celebrating Christmas and being thankful.   1) I look forward each year joining Steve Yaggy and spending time at Fleet Farm ringing the bell for Salvation Army.  It is so special seeing children come up with a smile and drop in some money.  What a great example for the kids to see.   2) I enjoy being in my van by myself, then I can turn up the Christmas music and sing to the top of my lungs.  When my wife Jode is along, my singing is a joyful noise so I tone it down just a little.

Looking forward to 2021:  For several years the first retreat at Ironwood in January was called, “A Brighter Tomorrow”.  This is a non-profit group that works with the challenged population in our community. Despite their many challenges, they always believed that better days were ahead and always kept that positive spirit.  Let’s you and I embrace that saying and go forward in 2021 expecting better days ahead.  Let us be reminded that we are not alone because God is with us – Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14)

Song of the day:   Oh Holy Night.  I can’t get enough of this one.

Verse of the day: A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit Prov. 15:13