The Apostle Paul declared (Galatians 4:4-5): “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” Jesus came at just the right time!
Dr. James Dobson relates a story of an elderly woman named Stella Thornhope who was struggling with her first Christmas alone. Her husband had died just a few months prior through a slow-developing cancer. Several days before Christmas, she was almost snowed in by a brutal weather system. She felt terribly alone—so much so that she decided she was not going to decorate for Christmas. Late that afternoon the doorbell rang, and there was a delivery boy with a box. He said, “Mrs. Thornhope? Would you sign here?” She invited him to step inside and closed the door to get away from the cold. She signed the paper and said, “What’s in the box?” The young man laughed and opened up the flap, and inside was a little golden Labrador Retriever. The delivery boy picked up the squirming pup and explained, “This is for you, ma’am. He’s six weeks old and completely housebroken.” The young puppy began to wiggle in happiness at being released from captivity.
“Who sent this?” Mrs. Thornhope asked. The young man set the animal down and handed her an envelope and said, “It’s all explained here in this envelope, ma’am. The dog was bought last July while its mother was still pregnant. It was meant to be a Christmas gift to you.” The young man then handed her a book: How to Care for Your Labrador Retriever.
In desperation she again asked, “Who sent me this puppy?” As the young man turned to leave he said, “Your husband, ma’am. Merry Christmas.” She opened the letter from her husband. He had written it three weeks before he died and left it with the kennel owners to be delivered with the puppy as his last Christmas gift to her. The letter was full of love and encouragement and admonishments to be strong. He vowed that he was waiting for the day when she would join him in heaven. He had sent her this young animal to keep her company until then. She wiped away the tears, put the letter down, and then remembered the puppy at her feet. She picked up the golden furry ball and held it to her neck. Then she looked out the window at the lights that outlined the neighbor’s house, and she heard from the radio in the kitchen the strains of “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” Suddenly, Stella felt the most amazing sensation [of hope] washing over her. Her heart felt a joy and a wonder greater than the grief and loneliness.
“Little fella,” she said to the dog. “It’s just you and me, but you know what? There’s a box down in the basement I bet you’d like. It’s got a little Christmas tree in it and some decorations and lights that are going to impress you. And there’s a manger scene down there. Let’s go get it.”
Like the gift from Stella’s husband, Jesus arrived at just the right time to meet our needs. Are you feeling Lonely during this holiday season? Weary? Discouraged? Overwhelmed? Jesus came to bring Hope and Healing to you. Look to Him! Receive from Him! He is able to do “infinitely more than you can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).
This Sunday, December 1, we will begin a new teaching series, “Your Best Christmas Yet!” First up? “Faith instead of Fear” from Luke 1:26-38. Are you ready to put All your faith in Jesus? Please invite someone to join you in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us.
Immediately after this Sunday’s service we will “Deck the Halls” by decorating the building for Christmas and then together enjoy a delicious lunch together. (Lunch is provided, so you don’t need to bring anything that day.)
Our 13th annual Christmas Lunch and Treasure Trade for women and children is Saturday, December 7, at 11:30am. Donations of new toiletries plus children’s games and toys are welcome by Thursday, December 5. Tickets are available at Sunday services or by calling the church office. (Tickets are free and help us know how many to welcome.) Our December Drive-Through Prayer outreach in the parking lot happens that same day from 11am-1pm.
Aloha ke Akua!
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