Christmas 2023

CHRISTMAS 2023

The Christmas Season is A TIME SET ASIDE TO REMEMBER GOD’S GREATEST INTERVENTION IN HISTORY: sending His Son to be our Sin-bearer and Life-giver.
In Jesus we see God’s nature as it really is and God’s message in full clarity. We celebrate and remember His coming even though we know that the day and month do not correspond to the actual date of His coming to earth.
In The Messiah we see God, no longer through the clouded lenses of fear and guilt, and even more clearly than the prophets glimpsed Him. God is love and in His love has sent His Son who emptied self to become our Sin bearer. He came to restore us to the sea of His Father’s love - the realm of God’s glory where there is no shadow or darkness.
“At various times and in various ways spoke in time past God spoke to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person.” (Hebrews 1.1-3)
“No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is truly God and is closest to the Father, has shown us what God is like.” (John 1.18 CEV)
As Sin Bearer, Jesus settles the guilt issue, making it possible for ANYONE (willing to abandon their sin) to come confidently into the realm of God’s loving protection and nurture. As Life Giver, He came to remove the unloving Adamic rebellious, element from our nature and replace it with His own Love nature. As Light of The World He empowers us to live the way of love in the light of His instructions. “A new commandment I give you that you love one another as I have loved you.”(John 13.34) As King of Israel He is the destiny of its calling and the COMING KING OF ISRAEL and of ALL NATIONS. ( It is impossible to be a follower of the Messiah and opposed to His Mission as Shepherd of Israel and their Coming Ruler. Without Israel’s return to their Promised Land, the Messiah cannot return to to the earth.
Christmas is A FESTIVAL OF LOVE CELEBRATING GOD SELF-GIVING LOVE and is an opportunity for us to truly embrace this great reality that stirs the universe. Children and adults, people of every ethnicity and culture were made to be loved by God and loved by others; and to love God and love each other. All are invited to this feast. Those who refuse the offer of the gift of forgiveness, new beginning, and entrance into the realm of God’s boundless love disqualify themselves from citizenship of His Kingdom whose constitution is kindly love.
Although there is often a very worldly element at Christmas time, it is fitting that gift-giving is a part of the festival that celebrates Jesus’ coming because the access to God’s love, favor and blessing IS HIS GIFT TO US. It is a gift and not a reward. But it is an expensive gift - the most expensive gift of all – coming at the price of Him becoming our sin bearing Lamb on the Cross. He became a hostage to the point of death for us so we could be released from the terrorist that took us hostage. It was at Hanukah (25th of Chislev, the Jewish winter month) that Jesus declared Himself to be the Messiah and Good Shepherd. (See John 10) Hanukah means dedication. This time of Hanukah and Christmas therefore can be a time not of pagan celebration, but joyful remembrance of what God has done for us. It can be a time rededication of ourselves to live by the light of His word, His example and dedication of ourselves to the assignments and works He has called us to.

OUR NEWS

In this brief end of year update we want to thank you for your prayers and help throughout the year. This year we were blessed with many opportunities to minister.
Our eight- week ministry time in Ireland was very fruitful. In Ireland we see the kingdom of God facing heavy pressure from atheistic, secular humanism. Many are abandoning old time traditional religion and have yet to see that God is the greatest reality and Jesus is not a man of religion but the Life-Giving Leader for every generation. This year we printed another 20,000 of “Good News For Ireland Today” New Testaments for free distribution. These New Testaments go out to the highways and byways through various forms of witnessing and a team of selfless good news bringers. We also appreciate all who help us with both the printing and cost.
We usually take our annual Bible Study Tour To Israel in October, but this year we were led to visit in March. As usual our time there was highly blessed, by the inspiration of the places and the studies of scriptures in their geographical context but especially with the friendships developed among us. Our hearts are with Israel because we know their special place in God’s plan for world redemption. We grieve with them for the suffering they have endured from time immemorial to this day in the modern world that remains largely ignorant of God’s Word and purposes. Israel and the Jewish people need to know that they are not alone and that we stand with them through both prayer and the ministry of help. Let us not fail do our part. .
When we are in Stuart we keep busy with weekly meetings at Good Samaritan Ministries with about fifty men and Martin County Jail. At both these meetings we are seeing the hand of God work in marvelous ways. We have weekly Bible studies in Ft. Pierce throughout the year and in Stuart during the winter months. In addition have monthly meetings at Love And Hope In Action, in Stuart and an evening service at Good Samaritan Ministries. Our weekly Radio teaching on WCNO reaches Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale. In Ireland daily spots on UCB (United Christian Broadcasters) Ireland.
We look forward to another year ahead in times that are both challenging and full of hope and ask your prayers for guidance in planning the year ahead. Thank you for your partnership in Good News and for all your help and support without which we would not function.
May the face of God, Our Loving Father shine into every aspect of your life throughout this season and the year ahead. May He supply the Spirit and work miracles for you and with you throughout the New Year. May Our Good Shepherd lead you every moment and fill your days with His appointments. One in His great love and service, Paul & Nuala