The Season of Advent

Love.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,

neither the present nor the future,

nor any powers,

neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us

from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:38-39

Here in the Dominican Republic we do not sing the Christmas hymns on Sunday mornings during this Christmas season. But the songs we are singing are about God's love especially what Jesus did on the cross and His resurrection. When you look at the manger and see baby Jesus, remember also the cross and the stone as well. This is the true meaning of Christmas and the precious gift that God has given us so we will never be separated from His unconditional, agape love.

Song: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Joy.

"And again, Isaiah says,

'The Root of Jesse will spring up,

one who will arise to rule over the nations;

the Gentiles will hope in him.'

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:12-13

Here in the Dominican Republic Christmas is not celebrated with presents as much as presence. The giving of presents in more reserved for January 6th known as Kings' Day, when the magi of the east came and visited Jesus bringing with them gold, frankincense and myrrh. The magi of the far east were not God's chosen people, Israel yet God guided them, foreigners to Christ to worship him. What joy we have that Jesus came for all peoples, all nations. Not just the Jewish nation, God's chosen people.

This joy is for you, my dear reader. I pray that you are filled with joy each and every day.

Song: O Come All Ye Faithful

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January Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER Winter Blast… Brr. It’s cold outside. Winter is not a favorite season for many people, but I love winter. There is a beauty in the dormant, snow covered, and coldness of winter that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our bones. It reminds me of the Lord’s love that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our heart and soul. The snow brings a smile to my face as I delight in the quietness, calming, beautifying, and a slower pace. Recently, I was talking with someone in Louisiana who was going to be making a snowman and snow angel with his granddaughter. What playfulness and awe to experience the Lord’s beauty. Community is so important to our lives that even the Lord noticed how alone Adam was in the garden that He made Eve. It is where you are seen, known, and find belonging. It has been something I have prayed for, asked you all to be praying for, have sought after in ...

March Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER Connect. Nurture. Grow. An unexpected and unplanned trip led me to see God’s marvelous and wonderful work at the Assist Pregnancy Center. I learned from the staff that this pregnancy center is unique and different in that the population they serve are women who come already with an 85-90% decision made of aborting their babies. The medical staff who are in the rooms with the women during their ultrasounds share Jesus with them and are compassionate witnesses to each baby as they are seen, valued, and loved. If the mother decides to have the baby the center walks alongside with the mother and family. I had the precious privilege to facilitate a training with all the staff of the pregnancy center to talk about the Wounds from the Work. Listening to their stories of how the Lord called them to work at this pregnancy center and what the cost has been to them, and their families was sacred ground. Creating a safe place for them to be seen and heard in thei...

October Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...

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