NOTHING BETTER - Celebrating God's Love, In His Presence, With Family!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On Tuesday, December 26, I visited the local credit union.  While there I wished Merry Christmas to the teller, and to the manager who was also behind the counter.  The branch manager, a pleasant lady to whom I’ve spoken before, wished me Merry Christmas too, and asked if I had a good Christmas.  I told her I had spent Christmas in worship, and with lots of family.  She replied that she had also spent the Christmas holiday with family.  I then noted, “At the first Christmas there was a family: a father, a mother, and a baby.”  She replied, “AMEN!”

 

Kathy and I celebrated the Christmas holy-day in many worship services, and with a “feast of family.”  After worship on Christmas Day we spent time at home of my brother, Stephen, and his wife, Lori.  I am the oldest of 5, and all siblings were present, along with 4 spouses, cousins, nieces and nephews.  In the group picture I count 20 people, and we have at least another 15 Florida members of our family who could have been present.  My brother. David, posted, “So blessed to be part of this wonderful family.  Can’t imagine what I’d do without you!!  Love you all!!!”

 

Then, the day after Christmas, Kathy and I visited more family.  We went to the home of my sister’s daughter, and husband, and her children.  We created some excitement by bringing gifts and reading books.  I am glad that, as a man of 70, it is the younger folk who are raising the children with endless energy.  One of the books we brought for the children was the story of Christmas.  The kids started to sing, “Jesus loves me” to us.

 

Of course, all that Florida family does not even start to count the Alaska Rockeys.  There are 14 of us on a good day.  Kathy and I truly enjoyed time with our Florida relatives, but we dearly miss our children and grandchildren who are braving a real Alaskan winter.  We will be there to celebrate Jesus’ birth with them the first two weeks of January.  We are looking forward to that. 

 

However, there is still more family.  I have family in New England.  Kathy has family in Tennessee and West Virginia.  Our Christmas celebration included much worship.  But, we also FEASTED on family love. 

 

I hesitated to share our family joy, because I know that many families are facing trouble, or strife.  And, there are many who have no family.  At a time when everyone else gets together with loved ones, Christmas can make lonely people feel even more lonely.

 

However, God extends His arms of love to create even more family.  Think of the “family words” Jesus uses.  When our Lord taught the Lord’s prayer, He instructed His followers to address God as, “Our FATHER.” (Matthew 6:9)  Our Lord is our Father – That’s FAMILY! But, we don’t pray “MY” Father.  We pray, “OUR Father.”  All humans have the same Creator and heavenly Father, whether we know it or not.  That makes us all brothers and sisters through God’s “creation love!”  (See also Mark 3:31-35)

 

And contrary to earthly fathers who can fail at times in loving their children, God always loves His children.  “¹³ As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:13)

 

Scripture is full of references to the family relationships we have with other children of God.  Consider Galatians 6:10.  “¹⁰ So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”  In reality, our real home is not on this world, but in heaven.  Think of the implications of what Hebrews 11:9-10 says about Abraham.  “⁹ By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. ¹⁰ For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” 

 

Christmas is wonderfully celebrated with those we love, and those who love us.  But The One who loves us best is God.  According to the Christmas angel, our Heavenly Father sent His only-begotten Son FOR US! (Luke 2:10)  Our Savior Died for us.  The Spirit makes His temple in our earthly bodies.  When we are with God, when God is with us, we are home!

 

On Christmas Eve morning, we celebrated Christmas in another wonderful way at our home away from home in Florida.  Almost 4 year old Eleanor Kate Denson was baptized.  On this day before Christmas, God called “Ella”, He came to her.  He forgave her, and made her part of His eternal family.  Ella now has a whole congregation, in fact the whole Christian Church, as her brothers and sisters.  What a “family celebration!”

 

Is there anything better than celebrating the love of God, in His presence, with all of our family?!

 

A Child of God, Celebrating God’s Love with All Our Family!

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  Here are some pictures of our family in Florida at Christmas.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/vHn1u3MjDjB3kJeR6

 

P.P.S.  Here are pictures of two of the three new stoles Kathy has made for me as I serve as Vacancy Pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/hZPVZY8hnnH1deNDA

 

P.P.P.S.  FISHING J  - I went fishing twice this past week.  I am also going Wednesday and Thursday this week!  God is Good!

·       On Friday, December 22, I fished in Orange Lake.  There were not many bites, but I did catch the two fish which did bite.  They were . . . supper.  J  Here are a couple of pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ymsuW3RGS2szmQj57

 

·       On Saturday, December 23, after writing 3 sermons, I tried to get away for some evening fishing.  Getting stuck in stop and go traffic did not help.  But I did catch fish.  Here are some pictures!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/cdvJpqT4nXyHQk4u5

 

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

 

·       BAPTISM - Here are some pictures of the Baptism of Eleanor Kate Denson on December 24, 2023, in the 10:00 a.m. service.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cf5Y7PpcfdVKUzdS8

 

·       THANK YOU!!!

o   Thank you, Office Staff who put in MANY extra hours to prepare for 5 services in 5 days!

o   Thank you, Larry Hartley, who practiced tirelessly, and played for 5 services with different liturgies, and with many different musicians!

o   Thank you to our special music, our First Lutheran Choir, director and soloist Jennifer Spillane, and the brass quartet, who graced Christmas worship.

o   THANK YOU FIRST LUTHERAN for the generous gifts you gave to staff for Christmas.  Personally, I was surprised!

 

·       Bible Classes

o   New member classes concluded on December 17.  We will receive two new members in worship on Sunday, December 31.

o   The Sunday morning Acts class finished through chapter 7.  We will just touch on Acts 8 this coming week.  However, because it was Christmas break, we also listened to some Garrison Keillor Christmas monologues.  We will hear Garrison Keillor again on Sunday, December 31.

o   A NEW ADULT MEMBER CLASS will begin in 2024.

 

·       TIME IN ALASKA – Kathy and I will spend some Christmas time with our children and grandchildren in Alaska.  We leave January 1 and return January 16.

 

 

*******

 

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

   

 

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)

 

 

 

Celebrating Christ, The Reason for CHRISTmas!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Let me share with you the simple lesson which I shared with children in worship this past Sunday. Perhaps this Advent reading can help us to focus on God’s Christmas love.  In the Gospel Lesson for the Third Sunday of Advent, the Apostle John taught about John the Baptist.  Therefore, during the children’s message I showed the children a picture of John, and I asked them who he was.  They knew a little about John.  So, my next question, as they looked at the picture of John was, “Is this Jesus?”  The obvious answer was and is, “No!”  John is not Jesus.  The children replied to my question with their enthusiastic, “No!”

 

In fact, that is what John the Baptism said of himself in last Sunday’s reading.  “¹⁹ And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" ²⁰ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’" (John 1:19-20) John had caught the attention of the people of his time because of his strange appearance and his powerful preaching.  But, in spite some personal fame, John was not Jesus.  John came to point us TO Jesus.  So, John had to tell the people, ‘I am not the Christ.’

 

Next, I showed the children another picture. This one portrayed a rotund man in a red suit and a snowy white beard.  You know the guy.  I asked the children, “Is this Jesus?”  One little girl did smile and sheepishly say, “Yes.”  But, then she knew Santa is not Jesus.  She shouted out, “It’s Santa!!!”  Like John, Santa is not Jesus either.

 

In reality, sometimes adults get this wrong just like the little girl.  We can replace the Jesus of that first Christmas with the Christmas of our culture.  Our world often forgets Jesus whose birth we celebrate, while in place of Jesus we remember reindeer, and singing of snow men, and focusing on presents, and rejoicing in seasonal music.  No Santa is not Jesus.  The trappings of the season are also not our Lord and Savior.

 

Finally, I showed the children one last picture.  It was a picture of Santa kneeling at the manger praying to the baby Jesus.  This one might cause you to scratch your head a little.  History and tradition say there was indeed a St. Nicolas who lived in the area of present day Turkey during the second century.  Nicolas was a leader of the early Christian church who was especially known for caring for the needy by giving unexpected gifts.  St. Nick did point to Jesus, because he himself worshiped the Jesus of Christmas.  The gifts St. Nicolas gave pointed to the gift God gave, our Savior Jesus.

 

John the Baptist could have accepted the adulation of the people of his time and could have gotten in the way of Jesus.  The people seemed willing to consider John as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise.  Thankfully, John rejected their attention and he pointed the people to the one who is the Lord of all, “whose sandal John was not worthy to untie.” (John 1:27)  John pointed to the Savior, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”  (John 1:29)

 

Christmas is ultimately and rightly about Jesus. Christmas celebrates the coming of the Son of God, the Savior of the world.  Cultural Christmas celebrations can get in the way of Christ.  Nevertheless, it is worth celebrating that God loves us so much he came to this world.  It is worth celebrating that the Lord of the Universe humbled Himself so much to be born as a baby in a manger.  It is worth celebrating that Jesus came to take on all the sin and all the problems and pain of this world through His birth, through His death, and through His resurrection.  God’s love in Christ is WORTH celebrating! 

 

I pray that your trees and presents, your worship and your family, point you to God’s love in the greatest gift ever.  CHRISTmas blessings to you and your family

 

A Child of God, Celebrating Christ, the Reason for CHRISTmas!

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  Here are the pictures I used in the Children’s message on December 17.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/F8WXHkAiSziSL4mk6

 

P.P.S.  FISHING J  - I went fishing once this past week.  The weather has been cool and windy, and I had been working.  The day I fished it was raining and breezy, but the fish were biting.  I had 9 bites and caught 5 in about an hour and a half.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/oJvyDsugt1zQvHdZ6

 

P.P.P.S.  I have a new laptop – NOW to get things transferred.  It will happen in January.  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 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, MORNING December 24 - Christmas Eve DAY we will celebrate Advent 4 in our regular Sunday morning service at 10:00 a.m.  Our worship will be blessed with a baptism of Eleanor Denson.

·       Sunday Evening. December 24 - Christmas EVE worship will be held primarily with children in mind at 5:00 p.m..

·       Sunday Evening, 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.  This worship will also be blessed with choir music.

 

 

 

*******

 

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

        

 

“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)

 

 

 

Thankful for Christmas Lights, and for THE True Christmas Light – Jesus!

 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)