Merry Christmas! 2017

Dr and Mrs Paul Manuel

5351 Church View Road

Loysburg, PA  16664

Dear Family and Friends,

Christmas is ever an opportunity for both affirmation and anticipation, despite what may have happened in the past or what may be happening in the present, affirmation of what we know about God and anticipation of what we know God is about. It was so on the first Christmas, and it should be so on this Christmas. The first Christmas affirmed that God is deserving of "glory in the highest" (Luke 2:14). The first Christmas affirmed that events were not out of control, despite their appearance, but were very much in control as God was fulfilling His plan "when the time had fully come" (Gal 4:4).

For Jews in the first century, it had been many years since the Lord made Himself known as "the God of Israel" (Exod 24:9; Jer 50:18). The Roman government controlled both the land of Israel and the people of Israel. Most citizens of the Empire, if they had any religious inclination, were polytheists not monotheists. As Jews looked to the future, their national prospects were not especially bright. They lived under the thumb of an oppressive regime with no relief in sight. Many wondered if God had abandoned them, despite the repeated promise of His presence: "I am with you" (Isa 41:10; 43:5; Jer 1:8; 30:11; 42:11; 46:28; Hag 1:13; 2:4).

It is similar in America today for gentile believers and for Jews. A largely secular government controls both the land and its citizens. Most people, if they have any inclination, are increasingly secular. They live under a regime (and in a society) that is often hostile to godly concerns. Christians continue to observe their holidays but with the ever-present denuding of their formerly explicit religious content (despite the president's return to "Merry Christmas"), the same question inevitably rises: "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." (2 Pet 3:4) But God has not changed. His plan is still on track, and He remains committed to His people.

Christmas is an annual reminder that neither God nor His program has changed. He is still concerned for and committed to the best interests of His people. The promise He issued through Jeremiah holds true yet today: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord... "plans to give you hope and a future" (29:11). Christmas is the regular confirmation of God's good intentions for His people: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa 9:6)

May the affirmation and anticipation of this season stay with you throughout the new year as you contemplate the joy of the savior's advent.

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Paul and Linda

For a pdf see here.