It is several days past Christmas Day, but the work of Christmas is not finished. Some years ago, Howard Thurman (author, philosopher, theologian, educator, civil rights leader), penned the following beautiful words.
When the song of the angels is silent,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and the princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among people,
To make music in the heart.
Christmas is never over because it represents a beginning. We celebrate Christ’s birth on Christmas Day, but He did not come just to be born. He came to teach and heal and provide miracles. He came to show us the Father. And, most of all, He came to die on Calvary’s cruel cross to pay the penalty for sin that you and I deserve but could never pay. He came to be our Great Substitute. Then He rose triumphantly from the grave – defeating death, hell and Satan. And He is always available to live His life in and through each one of us.
He now uses you and me to continue the work of Christmas. He doesn’t just operate miraculously, though often He does. But He chooses to use us frail humans to accomplish His divine, redemptive purpose. He uses you and me to find the lost, heal the broken, feed the hungry, and much more. Isn’t it Wonderful!
This Sunday, January 3, we will begin the New Year of 2021 considering our “Choices for a New Year!” What do you need to stop and what do you need to start to become more effective in the coming weeks and months? Be sure to join us onsite at 10:35am. We will also be sharing in Holy Communion.
For those who can stay after the service this Sunday, we will Un-Deck the Halls: take down and put away the beautiful Christmas decorations. It will be a wonderful time of fun and fellowship. Lunch will be provided.
If you are not able to join us in person at 10:35am for worship, please join us online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook or our YouTube channel.
To get “caught up” with your year-end giving for 2020, be sure to give your offering by this Thursday, December 31: either in person, by mail or online at our secure website. Mahalo for your generous giving!
If you are new to Honolulu Assembly of God and are curious about church membership, a New Member Class will be held each Sunday morning January 17 to February 7 at 9:30am. If you are interested in attending, please contact Pastor Bryan. Attendance of the class is essential to becoming a member.
Let’s start out the New Year Big by joining in the Week of Prayer, January 10-16. Be sure to set aside extra time to meet with the Lord and intercede for our homes, families, church, state, nation and world. If you are interested in fasting, a guide to the Daniel Fast will be available this Sunday as well as on the church website.
Hauoli Makahiki Hou and Aloha ke Akua!