Felíz Navidad / Merry Christmas from Eradio and Nellie Valverde, pictured here with their two precious grandchildren, Saraí Evangelina Cortez, and grandson, Liam Carlos Vasquez, taken last night prior to the 7 o'clock worship service at our church. To the top left is Liam Carlos Vasquez in his new Christmas outfit! Que chulo boy! At his right is our granddaughter, Saraí Evangelina as she opened gifts last night.
"For unto us a child is born!" Of all the wonderful and precious and meaningful songs we sung or heard last night at three wonderful worship services I had to wake up with the following lyric in my mind, "He was born a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas day, When the New York Times said God is dead, And the wars begun..." The words are by Bernie Taupin who years ago answered an ad for someone wanting to partner with a singer. The ad was placed by a record company and the other person who answered was Reginald Dwight, known now to the word as Elton John. This song is "Levon." I've since put on Amy Grant, thank God.
God is not dead, He's very much alive and living in the hearts of those who have invited Him in. Last night at all three services that offer was made and only Heaven knows how many took advantage of it. That's what Christmad is; God's renewed offer to be our God and to be in relationship with us. May we take advantage of that. As Pastor Katy said last night, "Let's take away the garland, the strings of light, and see Christmas for what it truly is." Amen.
PRAYER: God of Christmas, I thank you for your precious gift of Jesus. May He come to live in my heart. Let my relationship with You be stronger than ever. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed Christmas!
Eradio Valverde
