Mom's 2016 Christmas Letter

                                                                                                                            December 12, 2016

Greetings,

This year, instead of writing a letter all about the family, I feel called to speak of something serious that is on my heart. Like many can relate to, there have been a lot of changes in my life these past two years—some difficult changes and others positive. For instance, I lost Dad, Newton, and my brother, David. Too much to grieve in too short a time. Yet, I also have much to celebrate as I have gained a daughter-in-law Lynn, her daughter Hailey, a granddaughter-in-law Chelsea, a new granddaughter Zoëy Grace, and a "coming in June" grandchild. Furthermore, I moved a mile down the road and have a crazy life trying to keep up with my job and 23 grandchildren. That being said, I am feeling blessed and wish blessings for you too.

God put a message on my heart that I want to share. This is Christmas season where we all focus on the baby Jesus, Christmas programs, gifts, dinners, parties....... At the same time, many disturbing things have been happening in the world: wars, famines, fires, floods, earthquakes, blizzards, plane crashes, martyrs dying for Jesus, lawlessness, and hatred and discontent. People are wondering why so many extreme and bizarre things keep occurring, and I see parallels from my Biblical readings and with everything that I have read recently and wanted to share the message.

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision. For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. Joel 3:14

I believe that God is using these events to get our attention and give everyone a chance to choose before He comes back again. 

At that time the people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Mark 13:26. 

Even the social climate has polarized, giving everyone a chance to choose between this world and the next, a battle for morality. Those of you who don't know Him have a chance to receive Him while those who are already Christians can choose to love and serve Him with all your heart.

Do not fear; you have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside; for then you will go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver for they are nothing. 1 Samuel 12:20, 21

This season, we are celebrating the first time Jesus came to earth as a baby, which is wonderful! But there are too many empty things that we choose in our daily life that will profit nothing! And, He will come again soon. When that day comes, I pray we will all be ready rather than found following empty things.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government will be upon His shoulders; and He shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

I choose to love and serve Jesus with all my heart. I pray you will join me.

In His love,
Barbara