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December Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER
December 2018

Merry Christmas!  Feliz Navidad!
I was reminded from one of my advent devotionals that Christmas is the season of giving.  The giving season all started around the birth of Jesus as everyone in the Christmas story in Luke 2 and Matthew 2 gave something.  Here is my paraphrasing of what everyone gave that first Christmas season.  God the Father gave his one and only Son, Jesus to save the world.  Jesus gave up his home, heaven to come to earth to live fully man and fully God.  Mary gave her body to carry and nurture the baby Jesus.  Mary also gave up her reputation to be willing to do so. Joseph gave his protection and love to Mary during her pregnancy and throughout her life.  The angels gave announcements of what was happening and praising and glorifying God.  The shepherds left their own flocks by themselves in the fields in order to go and worship Jesus whom the angels told them about.  The shepherds spread the word of the good news after their visit with Jesus so that others would know.  The wise men left the comforts of their home to travel quite a distance to worship and give gifts to baby Jesus.  What have you given this Christmas season?  Is there something that God is asking you to give?

Several days later, I received a message asking if I would be willing to host two teenage
girls from the Ark (children’s home) for their two week Christmas break.  Before I responded back I remembered this devotional and I said yes that I would be willing to host the two girls.  Plus one of my goals this year is to do what I can to help our directors and this was a way to fulfill this goal.  I was nervous since I know of the girls but did not know them. What are we going to do?  Are they going to feel comfortable staying with me? How will I accomplish the things that I have been planning to do during this “off season”?  All of these questions and doubts were running around in my head from the moment I read the message to the moment the girls arrived to my home.  But God is so good and gives us just what we need
at the time that we need if we are open to hearing His voice.  What a joyful and blessed Christmas it has been.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14


PRAYER REQUESTS
Praise the Lord for sending His Son Jesus to the world!
Praise the Lordfor unexpected surprises!
Pray for Adam and Tracee as they will be interning at our school in Palo Blanco for 3 months starting in January.
Prayfor Tiana as she will be interning at our ANIJA school for 7 months starting in January.
Prayfor Jackie our intern at our school in Santo Domingo who will be finishing and leaving near the end of January.
Prayfor Safe Place Ministry as they will be visiting with our missionaries in January 12th-20th.
Prayfor my spiritual life that I long and thirst for time with my Lord.

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