Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The fog is still hanging on, but we will probably have bright sunshine once the fog burns off. This is what happened yesterday, as the weather gradually warms up. Once again, we are in the seventies in the day and high sixties at night. Not bad for December!
Well, I got started on the decorations over the weekend, with Brian's help. Without small children around any more, it is difficult for me to be enthusiastic about decorating. I am always pleased when it is done, though! I will have to call on my handyman for the hanging of the outside lights.. I like to see houses that are lighted up. They look so cheery!
We had the lighting of the first Advent candle to start off worship yesterday...always a good family event. Then a good sermon and singing by Pastor Jim followed by communion. It is always good to sing the Christmas songs and worship songs.
I saw a large flock of ibis around Lynch Lake on my way to church and afterwards, went to the Park and saw more ibis and an anhinga . A few Ontario cars and several runners going into and out of the park. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 1:26
In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be frightened, Mary," the angel told her, " for God has decided to bless you!" You will become pregnant and have a son and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!"
Mary asked the angel, "But How can I have a baby? I am a virgin." The angel replied, " The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born will be called Holy and he will be called the Son of God. What's more, your relative, Elizabeth, has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she is already in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God!"
Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true." and then the angel left."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
