Wednesday, December 13, 2023

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.

 

 

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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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