THE FINAL SCENE OF OUR NATIVITY PLAY as presented at our Concert on the 21st December. The Children pulled out all the stops and really did so well. The Hall not quite full,but well over 300 attended and were most appreciative and encouraging. It was an excellent prelude to all that we had planned over Christmas, and our Father in Heaven also provided all that was needed - even a little break in the Rain on Boxing Day so that everyone - except me and Esther - were able to swim and pic-nic as hoped. Some of our Old Boys also remembered us, and senT us Gifts to make our Christmas a truly 'GLAD' one, and we were thus so very warmed in our hearts to know that so many keep us in their hearts, and see us as 'family' still, reaching out to us they grew up with all those who have joined us since they left to start their own lives and family.
A number also came to visit and call upon us, in our homes, and it truly was a demonstration of Family. Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning Services also went so well and were blessed.
And here a Christmas glimpse into our sitting room in Green Cottage, and just below one of the many Angels that adorned the tree, reminding us that we all, who are His children. are all constantly care for by an angel appointed to watch over us and for us. We are never alone!
Saturday.........The decorations linger on after the Festival, and we move on, day by day, by His Grace, into uncharted waters. How Wonderful it is to know that JESUS walks with us too. Whatever confronts us will find Him by our side, confronting it with us. That is Security and Confidence indeed.
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James Manu our son has been with us over the Christmas. The university Student he lives with had returned to his family in Mombasa for the holiday, and so Manu would have been alone. We felt it was good for him to be at home with us - just in case a seizure might find him alone. THIS morning about 10a.m. he was walking into our kitchen when he suddenly collapsed onto the floor. Yes. it was another epileptic attack; quite a strong one. He hit his head but not too badly, and he regained consciousness quite soon, but was not able to stand steadily for about 20 minutes. His head hurt, and he had a bad paijn at the base of his spine. We took him off to our Doctor who was very kind and understanding and was able to confirm that there was no serious injury. He is now himself again.
BUT his medicine has been increased.
I had not had to witness this kind of distress since I lived with Rev. Powell whilst at Rotherhham in 1968. There was young man that lived in at the Church House, and he had Epilepsy. Brother Powell used to pray for him every time a seizure took hold of him, and I also at times used to join him. We did not, during my two month stay, see any improvement. I would find myself crying tears of pain when I had to witness theses attacks. I was so distressed to see the physical ravage upon this young man, and so frustrated to be so helpless to do anything for him, and also at not seeing the Name of Jesus totally banish his suffering. Seeing Manu, this morning also found me in tears as we laid hands upon him in the Name of Jesus without any visible effect. Esther and I both felt quite drained of strength and energy afterwards - and somehow dissatisfied that we found ourselves powerless even as we testified to the Power we believe Jesus has given to every Believer by the Holy Spirit. We do not mistrust the LORD in this, we know HE has it all in hand, and that finally we shall understand that power IS at work in Manu, and God's Mercy and Grace will have their perfect work in him finally.
HOW LONG did Jesus, Mary and Joseph remain in the Stable? Not very long I think; they must have soon moved into something more suitable. A 'house' the Bible tells us. They did not, however, immediately leave Bethlehem, which was only about five miles from Jerusalem. NAZARETH was 90 miles away so it is unlikely they made that journey before Jesus was circumcised eight days after his birth. It was probably in this first week of His life, that the Wise Men arrived, and found then in the 'house'. Herod soon realised they were not going to give him news of Jesus and planned to have all the children in the area who were two years old or under. The Wise Men were warned of this and left - and very soon afterwards God sent an Angel to Joseph to warn him to take the Family, to Egypt to escape Herod's soldiers.Egypt was only about 40 miles away. They only needed to cross the Border to be safe from Herod's men. They did not stay long away, since Herod DIED shortly afterwards, and they were then able to return.
The Gospel of LUKE 2v21-22 tells they went to Jerusalem as soon as Mary's Purification days were over - a maximum of 40 days after the Birth of Jesus. Luke does not mention the flight to Egypt.
But he does say that after their visit to Jerusalem they went home to Nazareth, and not back to Bethlehem. This makes sense to me, as if they had been returning from Egypt it would have been convenient to first visit Jerusalem on the way home, so to speak.
This FIRST WEEK and MONTH of His Life was very eventful and shadowed with malice and danger for them all. Not an easy, comfortable, or peaceful period. YET all the while it is clear that GOD was with them, watching over them, guiding their steps, and intent on keeping them all from destruction. YES none of us may be able to avoid the storms and even nightmares of life as we live day by day, but with HIM by our side, we WILL be kept safe as we go, and finally gain the ultimate goal and victory, It is a GOOD and IMPORTANT truth to live with and by, as we enter the New Year. Let us take strength and courage from this, and trust in the LORD of our Life who goes not only with us, but even in front of us, to assure us moment by moment of our constant Salvation from all the Wiles of the Devil. Of course, we may often be blessed to live lives that are comparatively peaceful and uneventful, but in truth every day does bring it trials, and unpredictable events and confrontations, and it is good,when jolted into sudden fear, fright or apprehension, just to know HE is with us. Yes, GOD WITH US, we need not fear, but calm ourselves as we tighten our grip in His hand. Remember, RAIN or SHINE, Jesus will ALWAYS be with us no matter how totally devastating and catastrophic a scene may engulf us. FEAR NOT, HE speaks peace to our soul - and He IS our assurance, that all IS well.
God Bless you all. God Bless you for your care of us all here, of your own dear encouragements, and fellowship. How greatly we long to see you and to embrace you in His Love. God Bless you in the Year ahead as we all entrust our days into His Care.
John Esther and Daryl Green
