The Widows and the Orphans at Christmas!

Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2: 9-11.

The good news of great joy to all people is of course the great news that we can choose eternal life through Christ whose birth is celebrated on Christmas Day.

And yet, there are many people who may not yet know about Christ. There are also those who have suffered or are experiencing great loss; orphans, widows, people who are without family or away from their families, those who are sick and in pain, people who have no food to eat or water to drink and many other situations where this joy that the gospel speaks about seems particularly difficult to experience.

However, the promises of Christ are always fulfilled and it is yet possible for the joy of the Lord to be experienced even by those that are sufferring.

Please pray with us that:

• those who have not yet heard the good news of Jesus Christ will have an opportunity to experience the joy and love of Christ;

• all who have experienced loss of a family member or a friend be comforted by the Holy Spirit and filled with a joy that surpasses all understanding and that they choose to turn to Christ for their comfort;

• people who are suffering with pain and sickness and for family members caring for the sick might experience healing and joy in their lives and realise in a deep way the hope that Jesus Christ was born to bring us.

• the many people who are dying of starvation and dehydration around the world be sustained by Christ and that God will move in the hearts of those who are able to make a real difference in their lives. This includes individuals like you and I; as well as the world leaders at Copenhagen who are currently making decisions which could greatly impact the lives of those dying from hunger and lack of drinkable water around the world.

All these things we pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish every member of CSM a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God bless you greatly.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!” Luke 2: 13-14.

MADELEINE JONES, 15/12/2009