A Suddenly is Worth the Wait…

In Luke 2:1-20 we find the story of Christmas. However, it didn’t begin in the manger, a lot happened before that special night.

The Hebrew people had been waiting for a Saviour for hundreds of years. It had been about 400 years since the last prophet had spoken for God. In that last book of the Old Testament, God had Malachi write about 400 years before the birth of Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s son, it says, “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to His temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty” (Malachi 3:1). Even about 400 years before that, the prophet Isaiah wrote about their son too, “A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3). The length of time they waited was no surprise to God though; He had already been at work hundreds of years preparing for this time. We can know that even in the wait, God is at work.

This time of year reminds us again of the coming of Christ – A manifestation of God’s great love and power that came in an unexpected way. Bill Johnson highlights that Jesus’ main assignment during His time on earth was to reveal the nature of His Father to us – a kind, loving, and generous Father. He sent His Son to demonstrate that same love in power through signs, wonders, and miracles. Jesus is the great gift we’ve been given.

May we all be reminded this Christmas season and as we enter the New Year to walk with expectancy in believing that the God who came “unexpectedly” and “suddenly” wants to do the same in our lives.

Christmas celebrations
Hands of Hope Ministries Christmas celebrations have finished. Norlyn, our youth pastor, returned to the Philippines to help organise and participate in the celebrations. People were greatly encouraged by her visit and many lives were touched by Jesus. Norlyn also helped arrange the Christmas party at Hands of Hope Faith Academy. Students participated in a variety of games and were excited to receive their gifts and prizes. Click here to view photos.

Small Groups
Marivic and the rest of the leadership team are thriving in their leadership responsibilities with small groups. It’s good to hear their reports of people receiving Jesus, families being restored, others being healed, and new people joining. Hebrews 10:24-25 is our key Scripture for the small group ministry, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”.

A big thank you to all our partners. Please continue to pray for our ministry leaders and the school. We do post regular pictures and news on our Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, accounts. It’s a great way to keep up to date. Please add us as we would love to keep in touch.

Blessings

Duane, Jenny, & Joe