Pastor Grinder shared an illustration in how that Amanda, his daughter, really wanted Pastor to SEE IT, by having him close his eyes. I believe Pastor Grinder and staff, want us to GET IT, by closing our eyes through Prayer and Fasting. We can begin by: praying for our own personal relationship with the Lord first, pray for the church, pray for others to come to know the Lord and pray for personal relationships. (We were made for more!)

With a focus upon "Prayer and Fasting" I read Mark 8:22-38. A blind man begged Jesus to touch him, that he might see. Upon the first touch, he was still not seeing "people" right. Upon the second touch, the man could see "clearly". I read then the the prophecy of Jesus regarding his death as told to the disciples. Peter corrected Jesus. Jesus told him, his mind was not upon the "things of God". Since that time, I have been praying for His touch, to "see clearly" and for help to put my mind upon the "things of God". (Pray for scripture that God would lead you to pray for your walk with him.)

An image from the Christmas Eve service has given inspiration for the "prayer and fasting" emphasis for the first three weeks of January. Perhaps you were there as youngest reader of Christmas scripture had some difficulty reading to the packed house. Pastor Trevor came to her side, knelt beside her, and whispered the words as she needed help. May the Lord whisper His truth and help in our ears, as we seek His holy nearness in this time of prayer. (Prayer booklets are available at the Welcome Center for this special time.)

The Christmas story, according to Luke 2, tells how Joseph and Mary were led to Bethlehem and while there, gave birth. The shepherds went to the birth site because of the announcement given by the angels. Matthew 2, The Magi were led to Bethlehem as they followed a star. In each instance, they were led in a different way. Matthew 1:21 says He came to save the people from their sins. The journey to Bethlehem has great rewards.

The heart of Pastor Grinder was shared with us Sunday. He has a yearning that we would be a people of deep prayer, and out of that experience, that we would "be active in sharing your faith" (Philemon 6). A song of this season says it rather well; "Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born". Pray for an opportunity to "tell".

Christmas; The season of hope! Hope for mankind, in that God responds to the need of mankind by sending a child, not a committee. There is such wonderment as we look into the face and countenance of a child. Our children, along with school children nearby hoped to raise enough money to provide safe water for a well in a community in Haiti. Instead, they raised enough money to provide five wells. May hope make a difference in your prayers and efforts this Christmas season.

There is a tendency in our land, to shift our attention from Thanksgiving to Christmas immediately following our day of Thanks. Commercialism hopes we will follow that leading. (Consider swimming against that flow.) It is so important to our Christian walk to be "grateful" people. Revelation 11:17-18 speaks of those who give "thanks" with "reverence", which some have called; "an attitude of gratitude". Consider if you will; making a gratitude list rather than a Christmas wish list in these days leading to Christmas. Pray with thanksgiving!