“Look!
The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Emmanuel, which
means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23
When
you experience the excitement of an event, you naturally want to tell somebody.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, the miracle of miracles occurred. A baby was born! Not
just any ordinary baby. Angels announced the joyous event to shepherds and they
in turn went about spreading the Good News. With a divine Father and a human
mother, Jesus the Son of God had entered into the world.
Jesus
grew up showing tender sympathy to the poor, the despised, the hurt, the lonely
and the sinful. He was our perfect example of an individual who offers forgiveness
to all who accept him as Lord and Savior of their lives. He was the greatest
leader in showing us how to love those around us. He would have been the
perfect Celebrate Recovery Step Study facilitator.
Jesus
is the kind of being who stirs us to keep moving ahead, someone who believes we
can do the work He has set before us. As I have served alongside an amazing
team of people this past year, I am comforted in knowing Jesus will be with me
all the way leading the Recovery Ministry and He will continue to send others
that are like minded to reach the lost and broken that surround us.
Thank
you for your prayers, words of encouragement and sacrificial giving. Together
we are making a difference in Mexico one life at a time.
First Christmas without Rod
Mom you will be missed by many
My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below,
with tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,
for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,
but I am not so far away. We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear,
and be glad I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all "Love" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
for I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.
with tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,
for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,
but I am not so far away. We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear,
and be glad I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all "Love" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
for I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.
Faith makes all things possible, hope makes all things work, and love makes all things beautiful. Hope you and your loved ones experienced all three for these during the Christmas season as you gathered together to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Feliz Navidad,
Cheryl Hoople
