The end will come some day. No man knows the date or the hour. As Jesus taught us, “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When her branch is tender and the leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is almost here. Just so, when you see all these things beginning to happen, you can know that my return is near, even at the doors. Then at last this age will come to its close. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words remain forever. But no one knows the date and hour when the end will be — not even the angels. No, nor even God’s Son. Only the Father knows. The world will be at ease – banquets and parties and weddings – just as it was in Noah’s time before the sudden coming of the Flood; people wouldn’t believe what was going to happen until the Flood actually arrived and took them all away. So shall my coming be.” Matthew 24:32-39 TLB

The good news is what awaits believers who know Christ and share fellowship in His sufferings in this life. As it says in Philippians 3:20-21 TLB “But our homeland is in heaven, where our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is; and we are looking forward to his return from there. When he comes back, he will take these dying bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to conquer all else everywhere.”

It shouldn’t be a matter of when it will happen but that it IS going to happen and are you prepared for it? It’s not about getting our worldly lives in order but about getting our spiritual lives in order. Can you say that if you would die tomorrow you would know where you would spend eternity? If you can’t answer that question with a “Yes, I will be spending eternity in Heaven with my Lord,” then you don’t have your spiritual life in order. Just think “What if it did happen this New Year’s Eve?” Make sure you are right with God before it’s too late. Don’t wait till the day after and say “I should have done that yesterday instead of putting it off. Now it’s too late.”

Make sure it’s not too late. Admit to God in prayer that you have sinned. Believe Jesus died for your sins, and Confess those sins to Him. Get your life in order now that you will be prepared when that day does finally come!

The animals were nestled
all snug in the hay.
The little King slept.
A manger’s where he lay.

While Mary and Joseph
rested with care
Knowing many visitors
would soon be there.

When what to their wondering
eyes did appear
A star above the stable
It shone bright and clear.

The King had finally come
The news would be spread.
Shepherds arrived
It was just as the angels said.

Women and boys,
wise men from afar
came to the stable
by way of the star.

Gifts of Myrr,
Frankinsence and Gold
Were given to the King
so we were told.

Many people wanted to
give a gift to the King
Maybe some land,
jewels or a ring.

This King would not wear
a jewel filled crown
He wouldn’t have servants
to kneel or bow down.

His throne would be placed
at his father’s right hand.
He would some day go there.
This is how it was planned.

He had a great task
to do here on earth
to show us God’s plan
and what it was worth.

God’s plan of salvation
was made very clear
He showed us the way
death we need not fear.

He gave us the chance
eternally to live
All he asked
one thing that we’d give.

God wants us to give
our whole life to him
Really commit your heart
not just on a whim.

He wants us to listen
and tell of his word
and tell of this story
you have already heard

Jesus, our savior
the child that was born
Went to the cross
wearing a crown of thorns.

His death was God’s plan
for all men to see
a plan of salvation
for you and for me.

And all that He asked
was just for our heart
Give it to him
it’s the most important part.

This poem was originally written as part of the puppet mini-musical production “Jeremy’s Christian Carol”.

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 the 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 cant 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 sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a 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 am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Why to commoners and prisoners?

Why to kings, to heads of nations?

The Word to captives, caught in bondage…

* Karos = “in the fullness of time” (Greek) is year.

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa.
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO.
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says “You better not cry.”
JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.”

Santa’s little helpers make toys.
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but…
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree…
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. Jesus IS the reason for the season.

The townspeople were always glad to hear these beautiful voices going up and down their quiet road. With the Advent/Christmas season coming up they knew they would be in for a great spiritual uplift.

Rehearsal at the Rockmans house was always on Thursday. Momma would make a nice big pound cake and serve tall classes of milk for afterwards. Dad thought he would share the list of roads they would be taking this year to do their singing. Sarah, quickly asked to see the names of the roads.

“Hmmm,” as she looked over the list with a frown.

“What seems to be the trouble?” asked Dad.

“I don’t see that road behind those big tall bushes on the list,” said Sarah.

Ronald jumped in and said, “She means that road where the windows are always dark. If they wanted to hear music they would put lights in the windows like everyone else,” said Ronald.

“That’s right,” said Cheryl.

“OK, OK, kids,” said Dad, “that’s enough. Sarah,” said Dad, “you know we only go on the roads that give us lights in the windows.”

“Alright,” said Sarah. “I understand.”

She ate her cake and drank her milk very quickly and said good night to all. Sarah lay in the bed and thought about the events of the day. What about the road she kept thinking while laying in the bed. Surely they need to hear singing too. Why won’t they put lights in the windows? Why is the road so dark? She remembered in Sunday School the teacher said, we should do nice things for people and help them that is showing love. I’m sure I’ll think of something as she fell asleep.

With the hustle and bustle of the season approaching, all the townspeople were preparing for the Rockman family to come singing down the road. All types of fancy lights were being put up in the windows.

In the Rockman’s house everyone was preparing for their ministry of singing.

“Hurry everyone,” said Dad as he was looking over the music for the evening.

“I’m coming,” yelled Sarah down the steps. Meanwhile Sarah was still tyring to think of a way to get to the dark road.

The Rockman family was all excited. They were ready to go up and down the roads singing. Their voices lifted high through the air as they sang “Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains. Glo…ria.” Cheryl asked her dad if she could sing her favorite song next which was “Walk in the Light, beautiful light, come where the dew drops of mercy shine bright, shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus the Light of the World.”

While they were walking and singing, Sarah thought this is a good song for the dark road. Her mind was so set on this mission. They were approaching a place where you could see the dark road very clearly.

“Please Daddy,” said Sarah, “can we go on that road?” Dad just looked at her while he was singing and she knew that look meant “No.” Sarah dropped her head and kept on singing.

When they had gotten to the end of the road ready to turn onto another, Mom said, “Where is Sarah?” Cheryl and Ronald and Dad looked around. Where is she? They were all puzzled.

“Listen,” said Ronald. “I hear someone singing.”

“It’s Sarah,” said Cheryl, “where is she?”

“The sound is coming from the dark road,” said Mom and Dad at the same time. They all ran to the dark road.

Mom, Dad, Ronald and Cheryl were so shocked when they arrived. What did their eyes behold? Sarah was walking down the road singing, “Walk in the Light…Jesus the Light of the World.” While she was singing lights from the windows began to come on one by one which help to light up this dark road. Doors began to open as well. Wheelchairs were rolling up to the doors and some were using walkers and canes and some were just older senior citizens.

They watches as Sarah stopped to talk to some of the residents on this road. their faces were glowing with excitement. They encouraged her to sing more. Sarah began to sing “Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.” As she began to say Go, Sarah could hear some more voices. She turned around and to her surprise it was Mom, Dad, Ronald, and Cheryl joining in on the song. They all gave her a big hug and continued singing.

Upon leaving that road, Sarah ran to her Dad and said, “These people always wanted to hear the singing, they just never had any one to put the lights up for them. They are so glad we came anyway. I said that I would come by after school and put up their lights in the windows. I told them my brother and sister would help as well. I hope you don’t mind,” she said and smiled. Dad smiled and said we all will help.

He reached down on the ground and picked up a sign that had some how been knocked down and covered with dirt. He brushed it off and read what it said – “Singers, don’t pass our road up this year!!! Signed the Older Generation.” Mr. Rockman called out to the rest of the family who was further along. “Make sure I put this road on the list next year!!”

Read: 1 John 1:5-7
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for being that great Light.
Thought for the day: May I be used in my community as a flashlight to those in darkness.

The other symbols carry their own religious meanings:

How interesting and sad that a song written to secretly remind Christians about the doctrines of their faith was disguised so well that after 400 years, the secular world more identifies with this carol than do Christians who are mostly unaware of its origins and meanings. The freedom to exercise our faith in this country is still amazing. Cherish it this Christmas!

We started out visiting all the various schools and would stand there and pray together. Now, a year or more later, we still meet at St. John the Baptist Ukranian Church parking lot directly across form the McKeesport High School and Vo Tech. From this strategic location we “Park and Pray” for all the schools in the McKeesport Area. We meet at the St. John’s location on Tuesday mornings at 7:30 AM. We certainly appreciate the kindness of the people of St. John’s very much.

On Thursday mornings we meet at 8:30 AM near Francis McClure Middle School in White Oak for our Bible reading and prayers for the White Oak schools.

We have a precious fellowship and friendship as we pray for schools in our nation, but most of all for our schools locally. We pray for school boards, for teachers, pupils, cafeteria workers, secretaries, bus drivers, custodians and all who work in the schools.

We often use scripture passages before we pray and one of our favorites is the passage from Ephesians Chapter 6, which insturcts us to put on the whole armor of God. We also use the well known prayer of St. Francis “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.” And we pray freely from our hearts as well.

Everyone who comes has been blessed and our prayer is that the Lord would send more volunteers so that we could cover every day of the schhol week. It does not take a lot of time, you can stop on your way to work. You may join in and pray and then leave when you must. Pray about it and come join the “Park and Pray” ladies.

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day. Traditionally December 25, but He’s always around, so the date is flexible.

Time: Whenever you’re ready, (please don’t be too late, though; or you’ll miss out on all the fun!!).

Place: In your heart . . . He’ll meet you there (you’ll hear Him knock).

Attire: Come as you are . . . grubbies are okay. He’ll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He’s already paid for everyone . . . (He says you would not have been able to afford it . . . it cost Him everything He had!!).

Refreshments: New wine, bread and a far-out drink He calls “living water,” followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!!

Gift Suggestions: Your heart. He’s one of those people who already has everything else. (He’s very generous in return though; just wait until you see what He has for you).

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, and much more! (All rated “G” so bring your family and friends).

R.S.V.P.: Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, He’s keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the “Lamb’s Book of Life”).

Party Being Given By His Kids (That’s us)
Hope To See You There!

They’d decorated the tree also. The branches were full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on the top of the tree. It looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful. Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts. They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our Son. I don’t think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn’t it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone’s birthday if they don’t even know Him. I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration, He would have been intruding.

Everything was so beautiful Joseph, and everyone was so full of cheer, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus not to be wanted at His own birthday celebration.

I’m glad it was only a dream. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.