| Penrhy's
Newsletter 4 November 15, 2004 “Loving and All-Powerful God, you have come to us in Jesus. In Him, you give us discernment to listen courage to obey…obedience to follow…and patience not to give in. Amen” As it gets colder these autumn days the leaves have changed colors and are falling off their branches. It makes me sit in awe of God that he brings about so many wonderful colors during this season and he creates such a wonderful transition to a new season. We are also reminded by the shift in weather of the coming holiday, Christmas. Here in Penrhy’s as I am sure around the world the planning has already begun with lists and decorations. The women come into the café and swap gift ideas that they have already gotten or are planning on getting while discussing what the latest thing out there is the best to buy. The restaurants in the Rhondda Valley have a contest going every year of who can get their decorations up first. And this is definitely a contest because in September decorations were already up. Gifts and decorations have become such a big part of Christmas as we prepare for the holiday. Most families get together and give gifts on Christmas and then attend church. I am made more acutely aware by being in Penrhy’s that not everyone has this opportunity. I asked a child the other day if they were excited about Christmas and they replied, no. I asked another friend up here if they were excited and they replied no as well. This should be a time of rejoicing and anticipation but rather in Penrhy’s it is more of a time when they have to just go through the motions. In contrast to the world, there is church and its preparations. Here at Llanfair we are also getting ready for Christmas. There are the Christmas parties for the children, the caroling at different adult homes and the community in Penrhy’s, and the Christmas play that the children put on in December for the community that so wonderfully portrays Jesus’ birth. I just love how these little children get excited about who gets to play Mary, or the shepherd, or the wise men. Their joy lights up the room. Sometimes we loose the joy of the simple story of the little boy that was born in Bethlehem. This time that builds up to Christmas is so special. It is a time of excitement, joy, happiness, and anticipation. So why do these two preparations not meet? It seems to me that there has been a loss of the true meaning of Christmas. The Lord has been teaching me while being here in Penrhy’s so much more than I expected. As I was reading the story of Jesus’ of birth the other day preparing for the Christmas play I was softly reminded by God a truth that I had never seen before in this story with the connection between other stories within the bible. Recently in Church we have read Exodus 3 and Galatians 1. The wonderful thing about these stories is that it shares an intimate sharing of who God is to Moses and Paul. God spoke to Moses through the burning bush and Paul on the road to Damascus. And while reading the story of Jesus’ birth I am reminded of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men. God also spoke to them through the angels. Also God didn’t pick men or woman that was the most likely, he picked those that he thought was right for the job. God loves us all and wants us all to be a part of his great story. What I didn’t see before is that God is speaking to us in many ways and all unique to our lives. What will it take to get our attention in this day in age? What will it take to open our eyes this Christmas to the true meaning of Christmas? This year instead of worrying about when to get our gifts or when we will get the decorations up rather sit and listen to God because he wants to speak to us all and many times we are distracted by things of this world. I thank God that he has given me the opportunity to be here in Penrhy’s and to share they joy of having him in my life. I can’t wait to see the little children put on the play for their parents. I thank God also that he has given me a chance to work alongside the residents of Penrhy’s and to share in their lives. Every talk with a person is a gift from God as it gives me an opportunity to see more of who God is in that person, each one with their unique gift. Let us bow down and worship the king this year and give our gifts to him. “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” Matthew 2:11 Thank you all for listening and for your prayers. You all have made such an impact in my life and for that I am grateful. If you would like to find out more information go to my website: http://www.jude21.com. In Christ’s Amazing Love, Kari |