A Merry Christmas

Hugging my son Caleb on the evening of his return from Honduras

I am so grateful for the Lord’s tender mercies in returning our son who just spent 2 years serving a mission for Jesus Christ in Honduras. For me, it’s the best Christmas present I could ask for to have our son back home with us and to see the growth in him. To hold a vision of the man you know your son can become and then witness the fruition of that is a humbling experience.

What has impressed me most about Caleb is his powerful testimony of our Savior’s love for us and the transforming power of His infinite atonement. There is no greater gift given to mankind than what Jesus Christ has done for us and the eternal life He offers. The following video is a beautiful depiction of His life and ministry. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Merry Christmas, my friends. May God bless you today and forever.

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  2. Marnie, many Blessings to you and your family. Merry Christmas and have a Blessed and Healthy New Year.

    In His Love,

    Cindi

  5. God has a reason why He makes certain people part of our lives. And I may not know His reasons for making me know you but … I’m definitely thankful. Marnie it’s hard to believe there are only a few more days until Christmas. Yes, as the song says: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” It really is wonderful! We are flooded with Christmas music, Christmas lights, and lots of Christmas “activities.” And although the Christmas “fluff” is often distracting, most of us are able to see through the bells and bows. In spite of the world’s attempt to pull us away, we generally make time to gather with family and friends and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

    But many will find this time of year to be very painful. The memories of past hurt, which remain hidden throughout the year, are now driven to the surface. Many are required to face someone who has caused them pain, or face the memory of a past Christmas which brings the person (and pain) back into view. Obviously, this is not the turmoil which God intends for our life…especially not as we celebrate the birth of His Son. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” We cannot properly celebrate the birth of Jesus without reflecting on why He was born. Through His life He offered us a message of eternal hope, and through His death on the cross He offered us the complete forgiveness of sin. With this single act of unbelievable love, Jesus removed the sin which would otherwise keep us eternally separated from our Heavenly Father. This is the manner in which we are to love and forgive others.

    Jesus told a parable about a servant who had an enormous debt cancelled: “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, cancelled the debt and let him go” (Matthew 18:26-27). But when the servant went away, he refused to cancel the relatively minor debt a fellow servant owed him; “Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt” (Matthew 18:30). Jesus used this parable to show that unless we completely forgive others from deep within our heart, we have somehow failed to understand the forgiveness we have already received; “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” (Matthew 18:33). Any “sin” which others may commit against us is small when viewed in light of the many sins we have committed against God! We have been completely forgiven of sooooo much!!

    During this most wonderful time of the year, let’s reflect on the awesome gift we have been given through our Savior. Then, let’s give to others as we have already received. Let’s love and give the gift of true forgiveness. Marnie merry Christmas to you and all your family and friends!

  7. Thank You Marnie for sharing this. I pray all will remember the reason for this season. Merry Christmas

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