Christmas without snow, maybe - but not without Hope

Amazing but true. We are without snow on the ground here. It has been kinda muggy with an overall drab-gray most days since Christmas break began. The temps are up for this time of year, too, in the high 30's to middle 40's. It is practically a heat wave as we begin the winter months. Of course, the weather can change in a moment because we don't know which way it will decide to blow next.

Just about every one of us has been hit by the winter bug. Coughing, sneezing, fever, sound familiar to you? We know we aren't the only ones who are going through it. Being sick has a way of making things look somewhat worse at times, too. When I am ill I find it one of the best times to look for ways to remember God's goodness, otherwise the glum appears to be the 'forever norm'.

This year we have again seen the care for our family, friends, and fellow classmates that God alone could provide. We know He has chosen to use people to bring about the bearing out of that care, so we give the Lord thanks for using many folks to remind us of His intimate involvement in life's circumstances.

We have gone through this year seeing our training fill us with an even greater desire to see the unreached hear the powerful proclamation of God's Word, the truth of His redemption plan. Our hearts are filled with wonder and awe that God, Who created and sustains all things, would decide to take our family to be a part of His incredible gospel 'delivery system' and use us all somewhere - so that the unbelieving might be believing because they finally get to hear His message. We thank the Lord that your, calls, prayers and correspondence have been a part of encouraging us to persevere and complete this portion of our preparation to get to that place.

With only a few hours left before we retell the First Christmas testimonies, the Shafers together wish every one of you a holiday you will treasure. May the focus of your attention be drawn, as ours continues to be drawn, to the One, Jesus Christ, Who has been given to us, for us. May the memories of God's supply, the gift of the ages, give you a heart full of reasons to rejoice. May the Holy Spirit's ministry to you, meet you right where you are and show you God, for all He is. May your home be filled with a greater understanding of God's desire for all people to know Him. May you celebrate that this year, there are individuals who are commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ for the very first time - because someone took the time the tell them of God's gift of Hope to the world.

Well perhaps we'll celebrate this Christmas without snow, but because of the coming of the Christ child, we will not celebrate without hope. Merry Christmas!

"And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:4-6 CEV)"

Roland (for the Shafers)

December is here...


The kids were in the town Christmas parade two weekends ago. It was cold but we are thankful it was not raining like it had been for several days prior. We did get some snow over the last two weeks (about 5") so the parade had that Christmas feel to it. The kids got to finish by receiving a candy treat bag from 'Santa' and a photo op :-).

We are excited this month to be celebrating some very special birthdays. First, of course, is the Lord Jesus'. How wonderful for us to remember the birth of the One who "came not to be served but to serve and give HIS life a RANSOM for MANY" Mark 10:45 says. 1Ti 2:5-6 says, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself--a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time." Jesus' birth was perfectly timed, laid out on God's timetable as we can see in Galatians chapter 4 verses 4 and 5; "(4) But when the appropriate time had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, (5) to redeem those who were under the law, so that we may be adopted as sons with full rights. The birth of God's Son

IS GOOD NEWS!

We've celebrate Moriah's birthday. She is seven years old now. We all are happy with her since she celebrated her 2nd spiritual birthday, too. Cousin Jennifer will be almost three times older than her cousin Moriah, but not quite. Happy birthday Jenny, we love you! Grandma Deanie we love you and hope your birthday is wonderful and that your heart is filled with joy. Cousin Nick happy BIG 6TH birthday! We all love you, hope you have a great day and get to eat your favorite birthday meal!

Jinni, RJ, Myself and a classmate, Julie Arnold, had the privilege of presenting a Christmas drama at three churches over the past two Sundays. What a joy to share the hope and reconciliation available to everyone, no matter how bad they think their life is or the wrongs done in the past, through Jesus Christ - God's own Son. Our prayer has been that lives would be able to see that God understands our hurts and weaknesses. He is fully aware of the guilt and shame we rightly feel because of sin in our histories. He took drastic and incredibly miraculous measures - sacrificing His only Son in our place - to ensure we might have a right relationship with Him.

We are now just a few days away from our Christmas break. Classes end this Friday afternoon and lots of folks will be heading away to be with family during this holiday season. We will be staying up in Canada this year. Our travel plans will be limited to celebrating with the members of our local church and those who will be remaining on campus through the break.

As we draw nearer to Christmas day our family is reminded of the many folks who have been praying for us to get through this semester of training. Thank you, all of you, for your part in our lives and your ministry to us. We thank our Father for you and continue to pray your lives will be enriched daily as your grow in your relationship with our God. We pray your homes will be filled with laughter and the making of fond memories as you all celebrate together the anniversary of the coming of the King! Enjoy your holiday, vacations to those who will have them, and Merry Christmas to you all from each one of us.

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; dominion will rest on his shoulders, and he will be given the name Pele-Yo'etz El Gibbor Avi-'Ad Sar-Shalom [Wonder of a Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace], in order to extend the dominion and perpetuate the peace of the throne and kingdom of David, to secure it and sustain it through justice and righteousness henceforth and forever. The zeal of ADONAI-Tzva'ot will accomplish this. (Isa 9:6-7 CJB)"

Roland (for the family)

Scripture quotations are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, copyright © 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. www.messianicjewish.net/jntp. Distributed by Messianic Jewish Resources. www.messianicjewish.net. All rights reserved. Used by permission.