Dear Fellow Children of God,
Do you like Christmas lights? I think, as I have grown older, I enjoy a
tasteful display of lights even more than when I was a child. In Alaska the lights of Christmas displays
cut through the long darkness of winter.
But, even in other parts of our country, as winter darkness grows
longer, the colored lights of Christmas decorations bring some hope and joy
into our dark world.
I thought of some of the tasteful and beautiful displays
I have recently seen as I read the Gospel lesson assigned for the Third Sunday
of Advent, for December 17 this year. “9 The true light, which gives light
to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and
the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But
to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to
become children of God,” Did you catch that? “The TRUE light?” That’s Jesus!
I also thought about
this verse recently as a neighbor unexpectedly paid a visit. Kathy and I were in the kitchen when a man knocked
on our front door. There are a lot of multi-colored light displays in our
neighborhood. Some displays shine lights with blow up Santas, or with reindeer,
or snowmen. We do have outside
decorations at our home. But, our Christmas
display is a simple wooden cutout of the manger scene, with a single light
shining on it. Our neighbor knocked and
told Kathy, “Thank you for your decorations.
That’s really what Christmas is all about.”
Jesus is, as John
wrote, “The true light, which gives
light to everyone. . .” But he didn’t come into the world as a powerful ruler. He came as a humble baby. He was not born in an ornate palace, but in a
stable, a stable which was probably somewhat dirty. I do enjoy the beautiful colored Christmas lights. But, our display is a reminder of the simple
manger in which the Son of God was born, through which Jesus came gave the
right to become children of God.”
Hopefully our decorations say, ‘9 The true light, which gives light
to everyone, [Who came] into the world.”
I do enjoy the light displays during the Christmas season. But, the Real Light, the TRUE Light in a
world of sin and death and darkness is . . . Jesus!
A Child of God, Thankful for Christmas Lights, and for THE
True Christmas Light – Jesus!
Pastor Jonathan
P.S. Here are a
couple of pictures of our Florida Christmas decorations. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ft8EAdmEevUBk9Tw8
P.P.S. FISHING J - I went fishing once this past week. The weather has been cool and windy, and I
have been working. I caught no fish, but
did take one picture. It was good to be out on the water. Here is the picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/D762LmUTTsrJx8FS8
P.P.P.S. I have a new laptop – NOW to get things
transferred. J
P.P.P.P.S. ESPECIALLY
FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH - Gainesville.
READ THROUGH THE
SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025? –
Pastor Rockey is inviting you to join him in reading through the Bible starting
Monday, January 1, using the “Today’s Light Bible.” This Bible leads a person through Scripture
in 2 years and includes daily devotions.
It may be purchased online at CPH or at Amazon. Here is a link to purchase this devotional
Bible. https://www.amazon.com/Todays-Light-Devotional-Bible-Fryar/dp/0758643519/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18IZZOYD5KP0Z&keywords=today%27s+light+devotional+bible&qid=1701895876&sprefix=Today%27s+light+devotional%2Caps%2C432&sr=8-1
SPECIAL HOLIDAY
WORSHIP - Special Advent and Christmas worship services will be offered at
First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, as follows.
·
Wednesdays, December 13 and 20 – First Lutheran
will use Holden Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m. to consider the Advent theme
of “Hope.” Sermons will include a skit
by First Lutheran members.
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve DAY we will
celebrate Advent 4 in our regular Sunday morning service at 10:00 a.m.
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas EVE worship will
be held primarily with children in mind at 5:00 p.m..
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas EVE candlelight
worship will be held at 6:30 p.m. There will be special music from the First
Lutheran Choir and a brass quartet.
·
Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day worship will
be held at 10:00 a.m., also with choir music.
FIRST LUTHERAN
CHOIR - The First Lutheran Choir is
practicing for Christmas worship on Wednesday evenings after Advent
worship. Jennifer Spillane and Larry
Hartley are helping to lead. COME AND
JOIN THE CHOIR IN LEADING FIRST LUTHERAN IN PRAISING THE LORD!
MEMORIALS AND
SCHOLARSHIP FUND - If you would like to make a donation in memory of Pastor
Robert Besalski, the Besalski family asks that you either make a donation to
First Lutheran Church, or to Lutheran World Relief. This information was supposed to be included in
the obituary in the Gainesville Sun.
However, it was omitted when the obituary was printed. Donations to First Lutheran will help fund a Besalski
Scholarship for Church Work Students.
*******
ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired
at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John
Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK. I was
writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the
Pastor." When I retired many asked
me to continue writing these devotions.
So I have continued writing.
However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion
"Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." Since I am no longer senior pastor at St.
John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive
it. (Currently I am serving as Vacancy
Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)
So, if you stopped receiving these
devotions and wondered why, now you understand.
And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive
them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution
list. My e-mail address is
jonrock53@mtaonline.net.
My prayer is that these devotions help
each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.
*******
Jonathan
Rockey
Child
of God
Husband,
Father, Son, Grandfather
Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL
Pastor
Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK
907-841-4066 – cell
352-376-2062
– First Lutheran Office
“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the
Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that
is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)
Dear Fellow Children of God,
Do you like Christmas lights? I think, as I have grown older, I enjoy a
tasteful display of lights even more than when I was a child. In Alaska the lights of Christmas displays
cut through the long darkness of winter.
But, even in other parts of our country, as winter darkness grows
longer, the colored lights of Christmas decorations bring some hope and joy
into our dark world.
I thought of some of the tasteful and beautiful displays
I have recently seen as I read the Gospel lesson assigned for the Third Sunday
of Advent, for December 17 this year. “9 The true light, which gives light
to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and
the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But
to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to
become children of God,” Did you catch that? “The TRUE light?” That’s Jesus!
I also thought about
this verse recently as a neighbor unexpectedly paid a visit. Kathy and I were in the kitchen when a man knocked
on our front door. There are a lot of multi-colored light displays in our
neighborhood. Some displays shine lights with blow up Santas, or with reindeer,
or snowmen. We do have outside
decorations at our home. But, our Christmas
display is a simple wooden cutout of the manger scene, with a single light
shining on it. Our neighbor knocked and
told Kathy, “Thank you for your decorations.
That’s really what Christmas is all about.”
Jesus is, as John
wrote, “The true light, which gives
light to everyone. . .” But he didn’t come into the world as a powerful ruler. He came as a humble baby. He was not born in an ornate palace, but in a
stable, a stable which was probably somewhat dirty. I do enjoy the beautiful colored Christmas lights. But, our display is a reminder of the simple
manger in which the Son of God was born, through which Jesus came gave the
right to become children of God.”
Hopefully our decorations say, ‘9 The true light, which gives light
to everyone, [Who came] into the world.”
I do enjoy the light displays during the Christmas season. But, the Real Light, the TRUE Light in a
world of sin and death and darkness is . . . Jesus!
A Child of God, Thankful for Christmas Lights, and for THE
True Christmas Light – Jesus!
Pastor Jonathan
P.S. Here are a
couple of pictures of our Florida Christmas decorations. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ft8EAdmEevUBk9Tw8
P.P.S. FISHING J - I went fishing once this past week. The weather has been cool and windy, and I
have been working. I caught no fish, but
did take one picture. It was good to be out on the water. Here is the picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/D762LmUTTsrJx8FS8
P.P.P.S. I have a new laptop – NOW to get things
transferred. J
P.P.P.P.S. ESPECIALLY
FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH - Gainesville.
READ THROUGH THE
SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025? –
Pastor Rockey is inviting you to join him in reading through the Bible starting
Monday, January 1, using the “Today’s Light Bible.” This Bible leads a person through Scripture
in 2 years and includes daily devotions.
It may be purchased online at CPH or at Amazon. Here is a link to purchase this devotional
Bible. https://www.amazon.com/Todays-Light-Devotional-Bible-Fryar/dp/0758643519/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18IZZOYD5KP0Z&keywords=today%27s+light+devotional+bible&qid=1701895876&sprefix=Today%27s+light+devotional%2Caps%2C432&sr=8-1
SPECIAL HOLIDAY
WORSHIP - Special Advent and Christmas worship services will be offered at
First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, as follows.
·
Wednesdays, December 13 and 20 – First Lutheran
will use Holden Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m. to consider the Advent theme
of “Hope.” Sermons will include a skit
by First Lutheran members.
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve DAY we will
celebrate Advent 4 in our regular Sunday morning service at 10:00 a.m.
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas EVE worship will
be held primarily with children in mind at 5:00 p.m..
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas EVE candlelight
worship will be held at 6:30 p.m. There will be special music from the First
Lutheran Choir and a brass quartet.
·
Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day worship will
be held at 10:00 a.m., also with choir music.
FIRST LUTHERAN
CHOIR - The First Lutheran Choir is
practicing for Christmas worship on Wednesday evenings after Advent
worship. Jennifer Spillane and Larry
Hartley are helping to lead. COME AND
JOIN THE CHOIR IN LEADING FIRST LUTHERAN IN PRAISING THE LORD!
MEMORIALS AND
SCHOLARSHIP FUND - If you would like to make a donation in memory of Pastor
Robert Besalski, the Besalski family asks that you either make a donation to
First Lutheran Church, or to Lutheran World Relief. This information was supposed to be included in
the obituary in the Gainesville Sun.
However, it was omitted when the obituary was printed. Donations to First Lutheran will help fund a Besalski
Scholarship for Church Work Students.
*******
ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired
at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John
Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK. I was
writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the
Pastor." When I retired many asked
me to continue writing these devotions.
So I have continued writing.
However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion
"Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." Since I am no longer senior pastor at St.
John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive
it. (Currently I am serving as Vacancy
Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)
So, if you stopped receiving these
devotions and wondered why, now you understand.
And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive
them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution
list. My e-mail address is
jonrock53@mtaonline.net.
My prayer is that these devotions help
each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.
*******
Jonathan
Rockey
Child
of God
Husband,
Father, Son, Grandfather
Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL
Pastor
Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK
907-841-4066 – cell
352-376-2062
– First Lutheran Office
“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the
Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that
is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)
Dear Fellow Children of God,
Do you like Christmas lights? I think, as I have grown older, I enjoy a
tasteful display of lights even more than when I was a child. In Alaska the lights of Christmas displays
cut through the long darkness of winter.
But, even in other parts of our country, as winter darkness grows
longer, the colored lights of Christmas decorations bring some hope and joy
into our dark world.
I thought of some of the tasteful and beautiful displays
I have recently seen as I read the Gospel lesson assigned for the Third Sunday
of Advent, for December 17 this year. “9 The true light, which gives light
to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and
the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But
to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to
become children of God,” Did you catch that? “The TRUE light?” That’s Jesus!
I also thought about
this verse recently as a neighbor unexpectedly paid a visit. Kathy and I were in the kitchen when a man knocked
on our front door. There are a lot of multi-colored light displays in our
neighborhood. Some displays shine lights with blow up Santas, or with reindeer,
or snowmen. We do have outside
decorations at our home. But, our Christmas
display is a simple wooden cutout of the manger scene, with a single light
shining on it. Our neighbor knocked and
told Kathy, “Thank you for your decorations.
That’s really what Christmas is all about.”
Jesus is, as John
wrote, “The true light, which gives
light to everyone. . .” But he didn’t come into the world as a powerful ruler. He came as a humble baby. He was not born in an ornate palace, but in a
stable, a stable which was probably somewhat dirty. I do enjoy the beautiful colored Christmas lights. But, our display is a reminder of the simple
manger in which the Son of God was born, through which Jesus came gave the
right to become children of God.”
Hopefully our decorations say, ‘9 The true light, which gives light
to everyone, [Who came] into the world.”
I do enjoy the light displays during the Christmas season. But, the Real Light, the TRUE Light in a
world of sin and death and darkness is . . . Jesus!
A Child of God, Thankful for Christmas Lights, and for THE
True Christmas Light – Jesus!
Pastor Jonathan
P.S. Here are a
couple of pictures of our Florida Christmas decorations. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ft8EAdmEevUBk9Tw8
P.P.S. FISHING J - I went fishing once this past week. The weather has been cool and windy, and I
have been working. I caught no fish, but
did take one picture. It was good to be out on the water. Here is the picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/D762LmUTTsrJx8FS8
P.P.P.S. I have a new laptop – NOW to get things
transferred. J
P.P.P.P.S. ESPECIALLY
FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH - Gainesville.
READ THROUGH THE
SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025? –
Pastor Rockey is inviting you to join him in reading through the Bible starting
Monday, January 1, using the “Today’s Light Bible.” This Bible leads a person through Scripture
in 2 years and includes daily devotions.
It may be purchased online at CPH or at Amazon. Here is a link to purchase this devotional
Bible. https://www.amazon.com/Todays-Light-Devotional-Bible-Fryar/dp/0758643519/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18IZZOYD5KP0Z&keywords=today%27s+light+devotional+bible&qid=1701895876&sprefix=Today%27s+light+devotional%2Caps%2C432&sr=8-1
SPECIAL HOLIDAY
WORSHIP - Special Advent and Christmas worship services will be offered at
First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, as follows.
·
Wednesdays, December 13 and 20 – First Lutheran
will use Holden Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m. to consider the Advent theme
of “Hope.” Sermons will include a skit
by First Lutheran members.
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve DAY we will
celebrate Advent 4 in our regular Sunday morning service at 10:00 a.m.
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas EVE worship will
be held primarily with children in mind at 5:00 p.m..
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas EVE candlelight
worship will be held at 6:30 p.m. There will be special music from the First
Lutheran Choir and a brass quartet.
·
Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day worship will
be held at 10:00 a.m., also with choir music.
FIRST LUTHERAN
CHOIR - The First Lutheran Choir is
practicing for Christmas worship on Wednesday evenings after Advent
worship. Jennifer Spillane and Larry
Hartley are helping to lead. COME AND
JOIN THE CHOIR IN LEADING FIRST LUTHERAN IN PRAISING THE LORD!
MEMORIALS AND
SCHOLARSHIP FUND - If you would like to make a donation in memory of Pastor
Robert Besalski, the Besalski family asks that you either make a donation to
First Lutheran Church, or to Lutheran World Relief. This information was supposed to be included in
the obituary in the Gainesville Sun.
However, it was omitted when the obituary was printed. Donations to First Lutheran will help fund a Besalski
Scholarship for Church Work Students.
*******
ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired
at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John
Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK. I was
writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the
Pastor." When I retired many asked
me to continue writing these devotions.
So I have continued writing.
However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion
"Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." Since I am no longer senior pastor at St.
John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive
it. (Currently I am serving as Vacancy
Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)
So, if you stopped receiving these
devotions and wondered why, now you understand.
And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive
them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution
list. My e-mail address is
jonrock53@mtaonline.net.
My prayer is that these devotions help
each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.
*******
Jonathan
Rockey
Child
of God
Husband,
Father, Son, Grandfather
Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL
Pastor
Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK
907-841-4066 – cell
352-376-2062
– First Lutheran Office
“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the
Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that
is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)
Dear Fellow Children of God,
Do you like Christmas lights? I think, as I have grown older, I enjoy a
tasteful display of lights even more than when I was a child. In Alaska the lights of Christmas displays
cut through the long darkness of winter.
But, even in other parts of our country, as winter darkness grows
longer, the colored lights of Christmas decorations bring some hope and joy
into our dark world.
I thought of some of the tasteful and beautiful displays
I have recently seen as I read the Gospel lesson assigned for the Third Sunday
of Advent, for December 17 this year. “9 The true light, which gives light
to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and
the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But
to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to
become children of God,” Did you catch that? “The TRUE light?” That’s Jesus!
I also thought about
this verse recently as a neighbor unexpectedly paid a visit. Kathy and I were in the kitchen when a man knocked
on our front door. There are a lot of multi-colored light displays in our
neighborhood. Some displays shine lights with blow up Santas, or with reindeer,
or snowmen. We do have outside
decorations at our home. But, our Christmas
display is a simple wooden cutout of the manger scene, with a single light
shining on it. Our neighbor knocked and
told Kathy, “Thank you for your decorations.
That’s really what Christmas is all about.”
Jesus is, as John
wrote, “The true light, which gives
light to everyone. . .” But he didn’t come into the world as a powerful ruler. He came as a humble baby. He was not born in an ornate palace, but in a
stable, a stable which was probably somewhat dirty. I do enjoy the beautiful colored Christmas lights. But, our display is a reminder of the simple
manger in which the Son of God was born, through which Jesus came gave the
right to become children of God.”
Hopefully our decorations say, ‘9 The true light, which gives light
to everyone, [Who came] into the world.”
I do enjoy the light displays during the Christmas season. But, the Real Light, the TRUE Light in a
world of sin and death and darkness is . . . Jesus!
A Child of God, Thankful for Christmas Lights, and for THE
True Christmas Light – Jesus!
Pastor Jonathan
P.S. Here are a
couple of pictures of our Florida Christmas decorations. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ft8EAdmEevUBk9Tw8
P.P.S. FISHING J - I went fishing once this past week. The weather has been cool and windy, and I
have been working. I caught no fish, but
did take one picture. It was good to be out on the water. Here is the picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/D762LmUTTsrJx8FS8
P.P.P.S. I have a new laptop – NOW to get things
transferred. J
P.P.P.P.S. ESPECIALLY
FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH - Gainesville.
READ THROUGH THE
SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025? –
Pastor Rockey is inviting you to join him in reading through the Bible starting
Monday, January 1, using the “Today’s Light Bible.” This Bible leads a person through Scripture
in 2 years and includes daily devotions.
It may be purchased online at CPH or at Amazon. Here is a link to purchase this devotional
Bible. https://www.amazon.com/Todays-Light-Devotional-Bible-Fryar/dp/0758643519/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18IZZOYD5KP0Z&keywords=today%27s+light+devotional+bible&qid=1701895876&sprefix=Today%27s+light+devotional%2Caps%2C432&sr=8-1
SPECIAL HOLIDAY
WORSHIP - Special Advent and Christmas worship services will be offered at
First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, as follows.
·
Wednesdays, December 13 and 20 – First Lutheran
will use Holden Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m. to consider the Advent theme
of “Hope.” Sermons will include a skit
by First Lutheran members.
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve DAY we will
celebrate Advent 4 in our regular Sunday morning service at 10:00 a.m.
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas EVE worship will
be held primarily with children in mind at 5:00 p.m..
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas EVE candlelight
worship will be held at 6:30 p.m. There will be special music from the First
Lutheran Choir and a brass quartet.
·
Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day worship will
be held at 10:00 a.m., also with choir music.
FIRST LUTHERAN
CHOIR - The First Lutheran Choir is
practicing for Christmas worship on Wednesday evenings after Advent
worship. Jennifer Spillane and Larry
Hartley are helping to lead. COME AND
JOIN THE CHOIR IN LEADING FIRST LUTHERAN IN PRAISING THE LORD!
MEMORIALS AND
SCHOLARSHIP FUND - If you would like to make a donation in memory of Pastor
Robert Besalski, the Besalski family asks that you either make a donation to
First Lutheran Church, or to Lutheran World Relief. This information was supposed to be included in
the obituary in the Gainesville Sun.
However, it was omitted when the obituary was printed. Donations to First Lutheran will help fund a Besalski
Scholarship for Church Work Students.
*******
ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired
at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John
Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK. I was
writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the
Pastor." When I retired many asked
me to continue writing these devotions.
So I have continued writing.
However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion
"Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." Since I am no longer senior pastor at St.
John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive
it. (Currently I am serving as Vacancy
Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)
So, if you stopped receiving these
devotions and wondered why, now you understand.
And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive
them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution
list. My e-mail address is
jonrock53@mtaonline.net.
My prayer is that these devotions help
each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.
*******
Jonathan
Rockey
Child
of God
Husband,
Father, Son, Grandfather
Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL
Pastor
Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK
“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the
Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that
is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)
Dear Fellow Children of God,
Do you like Christmas lights? I think, as I have grown older, I enjoy a
tasteful display of lights even more than when I was a child. In Alaska the lights of Christmas displays
cut through the long darkness of winter.
But, even in other parts of our country, as winter darkness grows
longer, the colored lights of Christmas decorations bring some hope and joy
into our dark world.
I thought of some of the tasteful and beautiful displays
I have recently seen as I read the Gospel lesson assigned for the Third Sunday
of Advent, for December 17 this year. “9 The true light, which gives light
to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and
the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But
to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to
become children of God,” Did you catch that? “The TRUE light?” That’s Jesus!
I also thought about
this verse recently as a neighbor unexpectedly paid a visit. Kathy and I were in the kitchen when a man knocked
on our front door. There are a lot of multi-colored light displays in our
neighborhood. Some displays shine lights with blow up Santas, or with reindeer,
or snowmen. We do have outside
decorations at our home. But, our Christmas
display is a simple wooden cutout of the manger scene, with a single light
shining on it. Our neighbor knocked and
told Kathy, “Thank you for your decorations.
That’s really what Christmas is all about.”
Jesus is, as John
wrote, “The true light, which gives
light to everyone. . .” But he didn’t come into the world as a powerful ruler. He came as a humble baby. He was not born in an ornate palace, but in a
stable, a stable which was probably somewhat dirty. I do enjoy the beautiful colored Christmas lights. But, our display is a reminder of the simple
manger in which the Son of God was born, through which Jesus came gave the
right to become children of God.”
Hopefully our decorations say, ‘9 The true light, which gives light
to everyone, [Who came] into the world.”
I do enjoy the light displays during the Christmas season. But, the Real Light, the TRUE Light in a
world of sin and death and darkness is . . . Jesus!
A Child of God, Thankful for Christmas Lights, and for THE
True Christmas Light – Jesus!
Pastor Jonathan
P.S. Here are a
couple of pictures of our Florida Christmas decorations. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ft8EAdmEevUBk9Tw8
P.P.S. FISHING J - I went fishing once this past week. The weather has been cool and windy, and I
have been working. I caught no fish, but
did take one picture. It was good to be out on the water. Here is the picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/D762LmUTTsrJx8FS8
P.P.P.S. I have a new laptop – NOW to get things
transferred. J
P.P.P.P.S. ESPECIALLY
FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH - Gainesville.
READ THROUGH THE
SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025? –
Pastor Rockey is inviting you to join him in reading through the Bible starting
Monday, January 1, using the “Today’s Light Bible.” This Bible leads a person through Scripture
in 2 years and includes daily devotions.
It may be purchased online at CPH or at Amazon. Here is a link to purchase this devotional
Bible. https://www.amazon.com/Todays-Light-Devotional-Bible-Fryar/dp/0758643519/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18IZZOYD5KP0Z&keywords=today%27s+light+devotional+bible&qid=1701895876&sprefix=Today%27s+light+devotional%2Caps%2C432&sr=8-1
SPECIAL HOLIDAY
WORSHIP - Special Advent and Christmas worship services will be offered at
First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, as follows.
·
Wednesdays, December 13 and 20 – First Lutheran
will use Holden Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m. to consider the Advent theme
of “Hope.” Sermons will include a skit
by First Lutheran members.
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve DAY we will
celebrate Advent 4 in our regular Sunday morning service at 10:00 a.m.
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas EVE worship will
be held primarily with children in mind at 5:00 p.m..
·
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas EVE candlelight
worship will be held at 6:30 p.m. There will be special music from the First
Lutheran Choir and a brass quartet.
·
Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day worship will
be held at 10:00 a.m., also with choir music.
FIRST LUTHERAN
CHOIR - The First Lutheran Choir is
practicing for Christmas worship on Wednesday evenings after Advent
worship. Jennifer Spillane and Larry
Hartley are helping to lead. COME AND
JOIN THE CHOIR IN LEADING FIRST LUTHERAN IN PRAISING THE LORD!
MEMORIALS AND
SCHOLARSHIP FUND - If you would like to make a donation in memory of Pastor
Robert Besalski, the Besalski family asks that you either make a donation to
First Lutheran Church, or to Lutheran World Relief. This information was supposed to be included in
the obituary in the Gainesville Sun.
However, it was omitted when the obituary was printed. Donations to First Lutheran will help fund a Besalski
Scholarship for Church Work Students.
*******
ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired
at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John
Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK. I was
writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the
Pastor." When I retired many asked
me to continue writing these devotions.
So I have continued writing.
However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion
"Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." Since I am no longer senior pastor at St.
John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive
it. (Currently I am serving as Vacancy
Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)
So, if you stopped receiving these
devotions and wondered why, now you understand.
And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive
them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution
list. My e-mail address is
jonrock53@mtaonline.net.
My prayer is that these devotions help
each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.
*******
Jonathan
Rockey
Child
of God
Husband,
Father, Son, Grandfather
Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL
Pastor
Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK
907-841-4066 – cell
352-376-2062
– First Lutheran Office
“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the
Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that
is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)
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