 "This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5 (NAS)
Our house is so looking forward to Christmas. Loriko asked and asked when we could put up the Christmas tree, that’s his favorite, he loves the lights. I like to get everything out and decorate the day after thanksgiving. We woke up Friday (5am) and immediately Riko started asking “when, when??” He was NOT letting the morning go by without decorating for Christmas. (Me either) There’s just something about the lights, isn’t there, a magical, mysterious beauty that I find myself breathing deeper and slower because they’re so comforting. The beauty of Christmas. I look at my tree this year and keep thinking “Don’t let the disappointments of this year darken The Light.” Think about how Christ has been a light to you this year. Where do you need his light to comfort or guide you in this month and the coming year? I ran across this the other day and would like to share it with you. As you read these scriptures, may The Light begin to brighten your life in the areas you need Him the most. As the creator of light, allow God to create light in your life. (Genesis 1:3) When you are fearful, let His light make you brave. (Psalm 27:1) If you need direction, His light will show you the way. (Psalm 119:105) When you are in a difficult situation, God's light makes the rough places smooth. (Isaiah 42:16) Do you feel ashamed or guilty? Accept Christ's light of forgiveness. (John 3:19) Chase away the darkness of hopelessness, loneliness, despair, aimlessness, confusion, hurt, or anger as you follow Christ, the Light of life. (John 8:12) Be a witness to Christ's light by the way you live your life. (Matthew 5:16) Pastor Delinda
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 The Advent Season is upon us and soon it will be Christmas. My favorite tradition in this season is setting up the nativity scene. And, I’ll admit, I even like some of the creative liberties some have used as they try to recreate the scene. There have been cats, dogs, hipsters, veggie tales, and Star Wars characters, all attempting to portray the picture of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, animals, and of course, baby Jesus. Each variation may have its unique touch, but all seem to reveal just how precious and intimate the first Christmas really was.
Perhaps the reason setting out the Nativity is my favorite tradition is because it reminds me that in the midst of something so precious as a baby, God was moving and working in a mighty and powerful way. Think about it: the God of the universe—the One who created everything out of nothing; who simply spoke and flung the sun, moon, and stars into place; who formed every mountain and valley, who fashion every plant, tree, and animal; who formed Adam out of dust and Eve out of a rib—this God was now laying as a helpless babe in an animal’s feed trough. Angels sang and filled the sky. The reason God was moving in a powerful way that evening was for me. And you. God had each of us in mind that night and desired to humble himself in such a way that we could see just how much he loved us. This Christmas, as you look at the many nativity scenes, I hope you remember just how much God loves you. -Pastor Michael  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God! Isaiah 43:2
In 1961 Ben E King wrote and recorded a song with theses lyrics: when the night has come and the land is dark and the moon is the only light we’ll see…No, I won’t be afraid, Oh, I won’t be afraid. Just as long as you stand, stand by me. The song went on to become the 6th highest earning song of all time! According to King, the song was inspired by a spiritual composition called Stand by me Father. What a sense of relief flows through our minds and spirits when we realize our Father is doing just that. Standing by us! He has not forgotten, neglected or ignored our situation or status in life. He is right there, interceding, protecting and empowering us. So when your night is dark and you cannot see a moon of hope, take comfort! He is standing, yes standing by you! Pastor L.D. Holmes |
AuthorNotes from the Staff @The Woods Archives
March 2023
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