| December 2024 Christmas Greetings! There is a beautiful quote which shares the sacrificial nature of the incarnation of Christ. We often only think of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, but His sacrificial giving started years before the cross! “The Life came down, that He might be slain; the Bread came down, that He might hunger; the Way came down, that He might be wearied in the way; the Fountain came down, that He might thirst.” – Augustine of Hippo The Bible tells us in Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. The name Immanuel means “God with us.” While there are many names Jesus has, I think this one reflects the heart of God and the Son more than most. God wanted to show us what His perfect love was like, so He sent His only begotten Son to be “with us. It’s wonderful to know that not only is God “with us,” but in addition, God is “for us”! The fact that Jesus came down to be with us in all our difficulties, burdens, trials, and victories indicates He is for us! While He was here on this earth, Jesus would go through things that you and I also go through, but He did so in perfect harmony with the Father. He was tempted like we are. He was hungry and thirsty like we are from time to time. He was rejected like you and me, yet He stayed on track to the cross and, ultimately, the tomb and resurrection. Finally, then, He ascended to the throne in heaven, where He intercedes on our behalf. Great news!! Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV) 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. During this beautiful time of year called “Christmas,” I pray that we, the Great Rivers Region family, always remember that this season has always been about Jesus! Life and love came down to us to be our Savior, the Wonderful Counselor, and Prince of Peace! |
A word from Executive Minister, Rev. Patty King Bilyeu
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