It is always exciting to go to new places, but, in my opinion, it is even more exciting to make return trips. Last year, you may recall, we took a December mission trip to Natal, Brazil. (Natal is the Portuguese word for ‘Christmas’.) Many good things happened as we worked with precious brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord willing, next week we will fly again to Natal to celebrate Christmas… and something else.
On December 27, Renata from Brazil will marry Pete from the United States. Parents spend a lot of time praying for God to bring just the right mate to their son or daughter. Who can predict how God will answer such prayers? We are excited to witness Him bring these two young people together for His glory. Jesus loves weddings!
Though the prophets had foretold, few anticipated the way the Savior would come into the world. A King born in a stable? A peasant virgin giving birth to God in the flesh? A heavenly host bringing glad tidings to shepherds in a field? Wise men from the East following a new star to worship a Jewish child? God must take great delight in bringing about His will through creative and mysterious ways. And don’t you marvel at His tendency to allow normal people to participate in His story? Elizabeth, Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, Anna, Simeon, shepherds, star-gazers…
So since His story is ongoing, we should not be surprised to see God continue to bring about His will through creative and mysterious ways. By His grace, He still allows normal people, from all over the world, to participate with Him. May Christmas be a time we remember Mary’s child-like trust and present ourselves to the King for His glory.
“Lord, you are all I need! I praise you for life and love. I am your servant. May it be unto me as you desire.”
Merry Christmas!!!
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:33-36