Merry Christmas.
Praise the Lord for this glorious day. Praise the Lord for His wonderful Birth. Praise the Lord for the glorious Good news of everlasting life and for an everlasting joy. The Lord blessed us during our Christmas Eve services yesterday evening. I get a great thrill being with His people in His house to worship Him. We sang 7 carols. Donna Netherton and Matt Cunningham blessed us with special music. Betty Phinney was at the organ. Our daughter Laureen played the keyboard. Donna also accompanied with the flute. And best of all, the Christ of Christmas visited us. I've been reflecting on my family and how Janice, Sunita, Laureen & Jessica seem only yesterday to have been small girls. Now they've grown up into women. I call them my "Little Women." We had some friends come in between services last night for a little buffet. Sunita, Laureen and Jessica helped their mom with the preparations and serving. Alice makes the best eggnog. I call it a seasonal drink...once it's gone, it's gone until next year:) Alice was up until 2:30 am this morning doing preparations for today. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such beautiful women in my life. My daughters have grown to love Jesus and serve Him faithfully and obedient. They challenge me in my own walk with Jesus and spur me to love Him more passionately.
It is always inspiring and renewing to read and hear the Christmas story. We spoke with some leaders in India this morning and they were able to hold Christmas services in refugee centers and churches. The police provided protection for them to meet. Thousands gathered in churches and open fields. They came from different denominations and worshiped in unity to honor the Lord.
I preached yesterday from Luke 2. Hope you can take a moment to go back and read it and the Lord will minister to your heart. I don't know what angels look like. Scripture does not describe them very carefully. The best description we have of the appearance of angels is that they are like young men dressed in white garments. Those were the angels that appeared at the resurrection. Never once are they referred to as having wings. I don't know where that idea came from, unless it came from the concept that angels are free to move about rapidly, and to us that suggests flying.
But the angel suddenly appeared out of the darkness of the night. Around him shone the radiance of glory -- a nimbus -- as the glory of the Lord shone round about the shepherds. And as the Authorized Version puts it, "they were sore afraid." Luke 2:10:
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." {Luke 2:10-11 NIV}
Thus the birth of God's long-awaited redeemer was introduced to a darkened, weary, and exhausted world. History tells us that the time of our Lord's birth was indeed a time of weariness and widespread despair among men and among the nations of the earth. The civilizations of that day had all played themselves out. This is how Matthew Arnold describes the world into which the Lord came:
On that hard, pagan world, disgust and secret loathing fell. Deep weariness and sated lust made human life a hell.
It is striking that the human emotion that was first encountered by the angelic messenger was that of fear. Men were afraid in that day. They were afraid of many things, as they are today. Perhaps the most striking thing to us about this story is that we can so easily put ourselves back into that situation of fear, for by far the dominant mood of the hour today is that of fear.
The first word of the angel to those shepherds in the field was "Fear not. Be not afraid." I do not think any greater news can come to us than that announcement. It came to them, as the angel went on to say, because a Savior was born in Bethlehem -- a Deliverer. Because of the presence of a Deliverer, they need not be afraid of anything.
You and I know how frequently we draw the parallel between the coming of Jesus as a babe in Bethlehem and the coming of Jesus into the human heart. Even our carols do this. The third verse of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" says,
How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in.
Every Christmas season we remind each other that it is not enough for Christ to have been born in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago. What really counts is Christ being born in the human heart. Your Bethlehem is when Christ came to you and was born in your heart. It is that remarkable parallel that constitutes the good news of Christianity today -- that Jesus can be born in us as certainly as he was born in Bethlehem. Therefore, to us, the angel stands to make his welcome announcement: "Fear not. Fear not, for unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
The words "Fear not" appear in the Bible exactly 365 times. Did you ever wonder why? Did you ever wonder why we are not to fear? The reason, of course, is that a Savior has been presented -- a Deliverer, a rescuer, one who is adequate to free us from any threat and danger in any situation. That is why the shepherds were told not to be afraid. It did not make any difference what Herod or the Romans would do, or what the clever, manipulative minds of men would try to set in motion; there was a Deliverer, a Savior among them. A Redeemer had come who would change the situation and use it for his own glory and bring them through. Therefore the announcement of the angel was "Be not afraid."
I think this suggests to us that what the presence of Jesus in our lives ought to bring us, as Christians, is the absence of fear and the presence of joy. That is what it is all about. And it is not intended to be a once-for-all experience. I know that many of us look back to the moment of our conversion as a great moment of joy. We had a sense of deliverance, a sense of freedom, a sense of release. But this is intended to be an ongoing process. We don't face dangerous and frightening situations just once or twice in a lifetime; we face them every day. Anytime something strikes terror in the heart or grips us with the cold hand of fear, anytime we are anxious and troubled and weary, anytime something seems to threaten us or our loved ones is a moment of danger. And for that moment -- for that moment -- we have a Savior, a Deliverer. Therefore the continuing word of God to us who have such a Deliverer is "Be not afraid."
That is why the chief mark of the Christian ought to be the absence of fear and the presence of joy.I have often quoted the description of a Christian as one who is: Completely fearless, continually cheerful, and constantly in trouble.
The presence of joy and the absence of fear. Paul said in Romans 14:17:
The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, {Rom 14:17 NIV}
Therefore that ought to be the mark of every Christian, that same sense of being free, of being delivered because the Deliverer is present. And as we look at him -- not as we seek for the feeling or look for the joy, but as we concentrate on the Savior, as we remind ourselves of who he is and what he came to do and what he can do -- then we will discover again that same wonderful fulfillment of the angel's announcement. We need not be afraid. And there will break upon our hearts and faces a sense of continuing joy. Friedrich Nietzsche, the atheistic German philosopher, made this surly remark to some Christians one day; "If you want me to believe in your Redeemer, then you've got to look a lot more redeemed." The promise of the angel was "Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people [not to everyone, automatically handed out, but to anyone]. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
This is what Christmas must mean to us. And all the days of the year that lie ahead are to be met by the fact that we have in our midst and in our hearts, if we have come to know him, a Savior, a Deliverer, a Rescuer, Christ the Lord. All authority has been given unto him, in heaven and on earth. No event and no circumstance can come into our lives that will be more than he can handle, more than he can take us through. It is that knowledge that gives the heart peace and puts joy upon the countenance.
Merry Christmas,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWn7HHI-rhE
Phulbhani-
25th Dec-08 Christians in Orissa had a "peaceful" midnight worship and also morning Christmas service amidst tight security across the state. There was absolutely no problem reported any where in Orissa. The arrangement made by the state government was satisfactory. The people in eight relief camps in Kandhamal performed their ritual church practice without any trouble. There were prayers, singing and dancing in Kandhamal and elsewhere in Orissa. 30 churches in Kandhamal were provided with security cover even as villagers held mass prayers last night in their respective places of worship.
There were reports of road blockades from three places in the Kandhamal district and one person was arrested in this connection near Raikia area and the tree logs have been cleared by Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force immediately .The blockades were set up by felling trees at Linepada and Shankarakhole under Tikabali police station and at Katingia under Raikia police station.
The Christmas Service at Barakhama Church is just finished without any problem. I talked to the church leaders . People are happy this year as last year they could not celebrate the Christmas because of Communal riot. The district administration is negotiating with the tribal leaders to conduct a peaceful tribal congregation near Barakhama in Kandhamal this afternoon . However the Tribal Leaders are insisting to hold the death anniversary near the Barakhama Church and have threatened to call another Bandh if they will not be allowed to hold the first death anniversary near the Church. The situation is tensed at Barakhama but under control. The administration had already imposed prohibitory order for the purpose in the disputed.
Thank you very much for your prayer support. Please continue to pray for rest of the evening Christmas service to be held after a short while.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Brown's Daily Word 12-23-08
Merry Christmas,
It's beginning to look, feel, sound, and smell a lot like Christmas everywhere. We are excited and thrilled that we can celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior one more time. Praise the Lord for the way our Lord and God, surrounded by majesty and glory, came down to a world filled with the mundane. He invaded the world at the beachhead of Bethlehem and brought His glory to the mangers of life, which are often filled with cow dung. He transformed it into His dwelling place and Holy habitation. May He come into our hearts and into our hearths pervading us with His Truth and Grace. May the Lord fill you and yours with His everlasting Joy.
We are excited to have all our family coming to be together here this week. Sunita and Andy are coming this evening. Jessica is coming this evening, too. Her boyfriend, Tom, also will be joining us. Janice and Jeremy, who are planning to celebrate Christmas Day at their home in Massachusetts, are planning to be here with us the day after Christmas. Micah and Simeon are coming too, of course, to celebrate Christmas here with us.
We are excited about the Christmas Eve Services, at 7 PM and 10:30 PM. Those who live around here, please join us.
My wife has turned the parsonage into a Christmas house. She has placed over 30 lighted trees in and around the house, and there are a variety of small trees as well.
I am enclosing herewith a copy of our annual Christmas letter, a gift of love from us to you. My wife composes the Christmas letter each year, lovingly, reflectively, and carefully. I call it her "Christmas epistle".
Thank you for your beautiful cards and letters. Also, special thanks to those who have sent gifts to be sent to Orissa. Our Christian friends there will be glad to know that their brothers and sisters in the United States are standing with them.
May Jesus, the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, return to you His rich blessings a hundred-fold, sixty-fold, thirty-fold.
Christmas, 2008
Gigantic clusters of feathery flakes floating down in the dark sky. . frosty air forming miniature clouds with each breath. . . children sliding, making snow angels, or building forts. . . churches warmly aglow with candlelight and carols. . . mugs of frothy hot chocolate and platters of gingerbread, snowballs, and spritz. . . lights, trees, swags, and brightly colored packages artistically placed around the house. . . Currier and Ives paintings on glittery Christmas cards. . . dolls and teddy bears nestled in the tree, with stockings scattered around. . . friends, family, and fun all around. . . daddies proudly bearing mountains of gifts out to the living room after the wee ones have been securely tucked into bed. . .
These are but a few of the imprinted memories that are the hallmark of this time of year. The green, red, and gold of gifts and decorations, bathed in a glow from lights and candles, make every hearth and home seem even more warm and welcoming at this time of year. Isn’t it wonderful how we associate our Christmases with some of favorite memories of times past? It seems that each year we want Christmas present to live up to the Paul Bunyon-sized Christmases that live in our hearts and minds. We want to give the best, have the best, love the best, create the best memories ever. That is a tall order.
The evergreen trees at Christmas time point to the sky, reminding us of the Savior who came to bring everlasting life in and through Jesus Christ. They also remind us of the cross where He suffered and died, that He might bring us life. Wreaths that deck our doors and walls are reminiscent of the crowns of laurel worn by victors in ancient battles. They also are in the shape of the circle – a figure with no beginning and no end. Lights remind us of the star that shone over Bethlehem, leading the poor shepherds and the weary wise men to the humble manger where Jesus, the Messiah, was laid. They also remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world, and that His light can never remain dim or hidden. The gold used at Christmas time reminds us of the gold that was brought to Jesus as His first kingly birthday gift, and the many sweet scents of Christmas remind us of the frankincense that was brought to Him as a symbol of His priesthood. The reds of Christmas remind us of the shed blood of Jesus, given freely to redeem us from our sin and degradation. The downcast and downtrodden at Christmas time remind us that there are still many who have not trusted the Savior, who do not share the joy of the season because they have never met Emmanuel, God with us.
This Christmas, 2008, is a very special Christmas. It is, more than ever, a year in which we are to look to the cares, hopes, dreams, needs, and wants of our fellow sojourners on this planet. In 2008 we beheld many tragic events unfold around the world – human rights abuses in nation upon nation, warfare without end, destruction of thousands of homes belonging to Christians in India and elsewhere, terror which has robbed many of much-desired peace, job losses that have tested the hopes and dreams of many families, dire economic news, and so on – because of all of this we need to reach out a hand to help him or her whom the Lord places in our path or in our hearts. This is destined to be a year when God opens the storehouses of heaven and pours out his blessings if His children do their part. All is not lost. God still is upon the throne of the Universe, deeply caring for each of His children and longing for us all to be willing servants, sharing His love with those who are in need around us. We need to be bearers of the tidings of great joy, “which shall be to all people.” We are called to be light to the darkness all around us. That is our calling, our destiny, and our joy.
2008 has been a year of tremendous contrasts and contradictions, containing joys and sorrows, and even joy despite sorrows. It has been a year of Amen and Amen.
Janice and Jeremy have settled well into their lovely home in Jamaica Plain, MA, where they love to run, walk, explore, and play with Micah (who recently turned 3!!!) and Simeon (who is now almost 1½ !!!) We spend as much time as we can with them, so that the grandchildren will know their Gramps and Grams very well. In January we went out to their place so that we could attend Simeon’s baptism service. It was a great blessing for us, and a great photo op as well. In May Jeremy finished his law degree from Boston University. May also led Laureen and me to Vermont to the home of our good friend, Warren and Linda Ayer, so that we could help watch the little ones while Janice and Jeremy split the running of the Burlington Marathon. It was great fun spending that time with them, visiting Warren and Linda, and watching the little ones interact with their newfound adult friends. Who knew that a tortilla chip could make such a good spoon for feeding little Simeon his baby food? (Apparently Warren did.)
Brown and I also took some good grandparent trips to Boston over the summer. During one of them a good friend of Janice and Jeremy’s was killed in the line of duty as a police officer in Fort Myers, Florida, so I watched Micah while her parents attended the funeral. (Police officer Andy Widmann wanted the world to know Christ and once had desired to be a missionary in Myanmar. Over two thousand police officers from around the nation attended his funeral, where the gospel was clearly presented by several individuals.)
Jeremy has settled into his job with a downtown firm, has taken the bar and passed, and is now a member of the Bar Association of Massachusetts. Janice has happily reduced her workload to (usually) one day a week. She loves spending more time being the mama of their sweet children. In July we celebrated Simeon’s birthday here in Union Center, with lots of adoring family members, in October we celebrated Micah’s birthday here with her “cousins” (Bernard, Elisha, Susanna, Shelley, Sharon, and Hosanna), and we are looking forward to Christmas celebrations with them. Micah has already made a date with her Grams to go to the beach together next summer. She and Simeon recently had their first lesson in rock climbing, and have already enjoyed hiking, camping, and canoeing.
Sunita and Andy are doing well in Washington, DC. Sunita continues to work and travel for World Vision, and her travels took both of them to Lisbon, Portugal for a few days. Sunita instantly loved the bright, sun-drenched city. Sunita also made multiple trips to various parts of Africa in 2008. Such trips are exhausting, but she loves the places and the people wherever she goes. Sunita and Andy flew to India to join Brown there this summer, and they also have joined us several times here in Union Center this year, most recently over Thanksgiving week. It is always a joy to have Sunita and Andy with us. They also joined us for a week in North Conway, New Hampshire, where we all got together for hiking, games, sight-seeing in the beautiful Presidential Range, and lots and lots of eating. We introduced Andy to frozen M&M’s during our nighttime rounds of card games.
Brown and I visited Sunita and Andy during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Along with Laureen, we all walked around the Tidal Basin, visiting the FDR Memorial for the first time. The cherry trees were in full bloom, as were many magnolias, and it was magnificent. I took a solo trip down to DC in the summer, and visited the National Zoo with Sunita. The two of us walked back to her place in ninety-plus degree heat, traversing through Rock Creek Park. Recently Sunita and Andy treated the two of us to a wonderful performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at the National Cathedral. The musicians were amazing with clear, pure tones and the cathedral was such a beautiful setting.
Recently, Sunita and Andy have started looking at houses, hoping to be able to find a place of their own. We had the privilege of going with them to preview a couple of places, and are glad to give some input. One of their favorite out-of-town retreats is in the Shenandoah Mountains and another is the quietly reverent of a Franciscan monastery that in town. They also love spending “free time” at soccer games – Andy playing goalie and Sunita being the faithful soccer wife.
Toward the end of July I flew down to DC (the same trip that took Sunita and me to the National Zoo) to help Laureen with her move up from Virginia. After getting Andy, Sunita, and some of Laureen’s friends to help pack the U-Haul, we learned the fine art of “kicking it to the curb”. The next day I donned my best truck driver attitude and drove the U-Haul van from Falls Church, Virginia to New York State. It was quite a daunting experience. Laureen left the charming colonial brick house in Falls Church, Virginia, which was her home for over two years, and began a new adventure nearer to our home. After joining the rest of the family on vacation in New Hampshire, she took a job at Lourdes Hospital, where she meets and greets new babies and their mamas, and tends Level 2 Nursery patients. In October, the Lord blessed Laureen with a new home –half a house (plus) - located just one block away from Lourdes. She had prayed for a two bedroom apartment with washer and dryer, and had her prayers answered exceedingly above what she could ask or think. It is great to have her nearby, and it is good to know that on wintry days she can walk to work. She has recently been reconnecting with some of the friends she has known since high school and college. She loves to entertain, and she and Jovita even entertained the young cousins by having the girls for a sleepover at her home.
Laureen is having a great time getting ready for Christmas. She and a college friend, Julia, went with us into the wild hills to hunt down a Christmas tree for the parsonage. We returned with a beautiful balsam fir, cold feet, chilly noses, and light hearts. There is still something about a wagon ride out into the fields of firs that still brings out the kid in us. Laureen has been preparing her own home with swags and candles on the mantle, lights, trees, and festive decorations. She has planned for a Christmas Open House, for which she has been making preparations for weeks now.
Jessica is still living and working in Philadelphia – for over two years now. She shares an apartment with her cousin, Jovita, who is also working in Philly. Jessica has been home several times this year, sometimes with Tom and sometimes coming up with Jovita. She helped us celebrate birthdays – Simeon’s and her dad’s. When she and Tom came up this summer, both made fast friendships with Micah and Simeon. She and Tom also traveled up to New Hampshire to be a part of the fun there. She is quite a drill sergeant on the hiking trail, I hear.
We really miss Jessy’s quick wit and good humor, but she is doing well as a city girl. She was excited that the home team won the World Series this year, and though she didn’t get to see a Series game, she was able to see part of the parade given in honor of the World Series Champions. She was also able to go to a Duke basketball game last winter when the Blue Devils came to town – Tom’s Christmas present to her last year. Jess still calls and chats, and loves to wow her friends with her chocolate chip cookies or her eggnog.
It has been a good year for one and all. Brown was able to go to Boston, Washington, DC, and India this year. He has enjoyed telephone conversations with everyone, especially Micah, and has also loved the time that he spent with the grandchildren at various times during the year. How they grow and change, but their gramps loves every minute with them. All of us met in North Conway, New Hampshire this year for a one week getaway in the heart of the Presidential Range of mountains. There, we hiked to Lonesome Lake, drove through an Alpine Village and past Storybook Land, looked out over the land from Cathedral Ledge, played miniature golf, shopped, and drove a convoy of three cars up Mount Washington. We loved spending time relaxing with the whole family and playing with Micah and Simeon. We also loved that Janice and the children were here for the first week in September and for Micah’s birthday celebration in October. In October they visited the pumpkin farm, Apple Hills, and the Cider Mill, and swished through the autumn leaves.
This summer Brown spent over a month in India along with most of the Naik relatives who reside in the US. When it was time to come home the roads were barricaded, and their return was delayed for a week. How grateful I was when they were able to come back safely before full violence erupted in Orissa during August. This summer began some very stressful and dangerous times in Orissa. Brown’s brother, Potel, was arrested, and has been held without bond, bail, or trial since July. In August, his mother and Potel’s son and daughter fled to the jungle, where living among the snakes seemed safer than staying at home. One Sunday morning they awoke to see a mob entering their home to burn it down. Their house and belongings have been utterly destroyed, but they were able to escape to a neighboring village. Now the three are living in a city several hours away, but they are grateful to be alive. They were among many thousands of Christians to be burned out of their homes in recent months. Many have died in Orissa, but Christ still lives within the believers there.
One of the greatest highlights of the year for Brown was his 60th birthday party. Held more than a month late, it was well worth the wait. Sunita, Laureen, and Jessica were gracious hostesses, and they emceed and took photos, too. There was a tremendous outpouring of affection from the many friends who came. The party was a veritable feast of Indian food (and other foods, too). Anecdotes were shared, and enjoyed by all.
When Brown went to India in June I was still in school, finishing up my eighth year of teaching full-time in Marathon. When things wrapped up there, I departed for Boston for a time, traveled back home to set up for Simeon’s first birthday celebration, went back to Boston, flew to DC, drove to New York, went to New Hampshire for a week, and on it goes. Since September I have been teaching the new Integrated Geometry that is New York’s newest mandate for 10th grade students, and a return to the old way of teaching proof upon proof. Since the first day of school, the time has flown, and we are already planning and preparing for the celebration of our Lord’s birth. That brings us full circle, ready to close out the old year and begin anew.
In all things we are grateful. The Lord has given us home, family, and jobs. We weren’t planning to take an early retirement, so the present economy is less of a setback to us than if we had done so. Our daughters and their loved ones are well. We find a hearty welcome awaiting us in Boston, Washington, and Philadelphia any time we are able to go. Our family in India is still safe, at least for now, though the situation could worsen again. God is still in control, and we must trust him in all circumstances.
Christmas is almost here – ready or not. Who could believe the forest that has sprung up in and around the parsonage? There are trees in almost every room, except bathrooms and the study, and the balsam in the dining room smells amazing. No scent from an aerosol can is able to compare to the real thing. We are almost ready for Christmas, with last minute gifts to buy and wrap and some special cooking and baking to do. We are ready for Christmas joy to break upon us, like sunrise on a new morning.
Recently Brown and I were traveling early in the morning. We traveled for over an hour before the slightest hint of light began to seep into the morning sky. It grew imperceptibly, gradually smudging a grey hue into the sky that had been almost black. The sooty grey was soon blended with traces of rose, gold, and then blue. Day finally broke upon us with a wide band of rosy, golden light, suddenly shooting out of the Eastern sky. I don’t think that the coming of Christ was quite like that. I believe that the Jewish people were living lives of quiet desperation, knowing intense darkness in every corner of their lives. It was so much darker than ever before; when Christ came to bring His light and enlightenment to the people it was like having a spotlight shine into their eyes in the middle of the blackest night. They were so used to groping around in the darkness that they could not welcome the Light of the world. “And the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” They could not understand Jesus, and were not sure that they wanted to.
Do we want to know the Light of the world? Do we want to expose every area of our lives to the light of Jesus, every sin, every lie, and every wayward thought? Yes! Expose it and then remove it. O come to us, Emmanuel. O come to us, Prince of peace. Let your peace pervade every part of our lives. Let your grace shine through us to the world around us.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Brown and Alice
Merry Christmas,
It's beginning to look, feel, sound, and smell a lot like Christmas everywhere. We are excited and thrilled that we can celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior one more time. Praise the Lord for the way our Lord and God, surrounded by majesty and glory, came down to a world filled with the mundane. He invaded the world at the beachhead of Bethlehem and brought His glory to the mangers of life, which are often filled with cow dung. He transformed it into His dwelling place and Holy habitation. May He come into our hearts and into our hearths pervading us with His Truth and Grace. May the Lord fill you and yours with His everlasting Joy.
We are excited to have all our family coming to be together here this week. Sunita and Andy are coming this evening. Jessica is coming this evening, too. Her boyfriend, Tom, also will be joining us. Janice and Jeremy, who are planning to celebrate Christmas Day at their home in Massachusetts, are planning to be here with us the day after Christmas. Micah and Simeon are coming too, of course, to celebrate Christmas here with us.
We are excited about the Christmas Eve Services, at 7 PM and 10:30 PM. Those who live around here, please join us.
My wife has turned the parsonage into a Christmas house. She has placed over 30 lighted trees in and around the house, and there are a variety of small trees as well.
I am enclosing herewith a copy of our annual Christmas letter, a gift of love from us to you. My wife composes the Christmas letter each year, lovingly, reflectively, and carefully. I call it her "Christmas epistle".
Thank you for your beautiful cards and letters. Also, special thanks to those who have sent gifts to be sent to Orissa. Our Christian friends there will be glad to know that their brothers and sisters in the United States are standing with them.
May Jesus, the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, return to you His rich blessings a hundred-fold, sixty-fold, thirty-fold.
Christmas, 2008
Gigantic clusters of feathery flakes floating down in the dark sky. . frosty air forming miniature clouds with each breath. . . children sliding, making snow angels, or building forts. . . churches warmly aglow with candlelight and carols. . . mugs of frothy hot chocolate and platters of gingerbread, snowballs, and spritz. . . lights, trees, swags, and brightly colored packages artistically placed around the house. . . Currier and Ives paintings on glittery Christmas cards. . . dolls and teddy bears nestled in the tree, with stockings scattered around. . . friends, family, and fun all around. . . daddies proudly bearing mountains of gifts out to the living room after the wee ones have been securely tucked into bed. . .
These are but a few of the imprinted memories that are the hallmark of this time of year. The green, red, and gold of gifts and decorations, bathed in a glow from lights and candles, make every hearth and home seem even more warm and welcoming at this time of year. Isn’t it wonderful how we associate our Christmases with some of favorite memories of times past? It seems that each year we want Christmas present to live up to the Paul Bunyon-sized Christmases that live in our hearts and minds. We want to give the best, have the best, love the best, create the best memories ever. That is a tall order.
The evergreen trees at Christmas time point to the sky, reminding us of the Savior who came to bring everlasting life in and through Jesus Christ. They also remind us of the cross where He suffered and died, that He might bring us life. Wreaths that deck our doors and walls are reminiscent of the crowns of laurel worn by victors in ancient battles. They also are in the shape of the circle – a figure with no beginning and no end. Lights remind us of the star that shone over Bethlehem, leading the poor shepherds and the weary wise men to the humble manger where Jesus, the Messiah, was laid. They also remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world, and that His light can never remain dim or hidden. The gold used at Christmas time reminds us of the gold that was brought to Jesus as His first kingly birthday gift, and the many sweet scents of Christmas remind us of the frankincense that was brought to Him as a symbol of His priesthood. The reds of Christmas remind us of the shed blood of Jesus, given freely to redeem us from our sin and degradation. The downcast and downtrodden at Christmas time remind us that there are still many who have not trusted the Savior, who do not share the joy of the season because they have never met Emmanuel, God with us.
This Christmas, 2008, is a very special Christmas. It is, more than ever, a year in which we are to look to the cares, hopes, dreams, needs, and wants of our fellow sojourners on this planet. In 2008 we beheld many tragic events unfold around the world – human rights abuses in nation upon nation, warfare without end, destruction of thousands of homes belonging to Christians in India and elsewhere, terror which has robbed many of much-desired peace, job losses that have tested the hopes and dreams of many families, dire economic news, and so on – because of all of this we need to reach out a hand to help him or her whom the Lord places in our path or in our hearts. This is destined to be a year when God opens the storehouses of heaven and pours out his blessings if His children do their part. All is not lost. God still is upon the throne of the Universe, deeply caring for each of His children and longing for us all to be willing servants, sharing His love with those who are in need around us. We need to be bearers of the tidings of great joy, “which shall be to all people.” We are called to be light to the darkness all around us. That is our calling, our destiny, and our joy.
2008 has been a year of tremendous contrasts and contradictions, containing joys and sorrows, and even joy despite sorrows. It has been a year of Amen and Amen.
Janice and Jeremy have settled well into their lovely home in Jamaica Plain, MA, where they love to run, walk, explore, and play with Micah (who recently turned 3!!!) and Simeon (who is now almost 1½ !!!) We spend as much time as we can with them, so that the grandchildren will know their Gramps and Grams very well. In January we went out to their place so that we could attend Simeon’s baptism service. It was a great blessing for us, and a great photo op as well. In May Jeremy finished his law degree from Boston University. May also led Laureen and me to Vermont to the home of our good friend, Warren and Linda Ayer, so that we could help watch the little ones while Janice and Jeremy split the running of the Burlington Marathon. It was great fun spending that time with them, visiting Warren and Linda, and watching the little ones interact with their newfound adult friends. Who knew that a tortilla chip could make such a good spoon for feeding little Simeon his baby food? (Apparently Warren did.)
Brown and I also took some good grandparent trips to Boston over the summer. During one of them a good friend of Janice and Jeremy’s was killed in the line of duty as a police officer in Fort Myers, Florida, so I watched Micah while her parents attended the funeral. (Police officer Andy Widmann wanted the world to know Christ and once had desired to be a missionary in Myanmar. Over two thousand police officers from around the nation attended his funeral, where the gospel was clearly presented by several individuals.)
Jeremy has settled into his job with a downtown firm, has taken the bar and passed, and is now a member of the Bar Association of Massachusetts. Janice has happily reduced her workload to (usually) one day a week. She loves spending more time being the mama of their sweet children. In July we celebrated Simeon’s birthday here in Union Center, with lots of adoring family members, in October we celebrated Micah’s birthday here with her “cousins” (Bernard, Elisha, Susanna, Shelley, Sharon, and Hosanna), and we are looking forward to Christmas celebrations with them. Micah has already made a date with her Grams to go to the beach together next summer. She and Simeon recently had their first lesson in rock climbing, and have already enjoyed hiking, camping, and canoeing.
Sunita and Andy are doing well in Washington, DC. Sunita continues to work and travel for World Vision, and her travels took both of them to Lisbon, Portugal for a few days. Sunita instantly loved the bright, sun-drenched city. Sunita also made multiple trips to various parts of Africa in 2008. Such trips are exhausting, but she loves the places and the people wherever she goes. Sunita and Andy flew to India to join Brown there this summer, and they also have joined us several times here in Union Center this year, most recently over Thanksgiving week. It is always a joy to have Sunita and Andy with us. They also joined us for a week in North Conway, New Hampshire, where we all got together for hiking, games, sight-seeing in the beautiful Presidential Range, and lots and lots of eating. We introduced Andy to frozen M&M’s during our nighttime rounds of card games.
Brown and I visited Sunita and Andy during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Along with Laureen, we all walked around the Tidal Basin, visiting the FDR Memorial for the first time. The cherry trees were in full bloom, as were many magnolias, and it was magnificent. I took a solo trip down to DC in the summer, and visited the National Zoo with Sunita. The two of us walked back to her place in ninety-plus degree heat, traversing through Rock Creek Park. Recently Sunita and Andy treated the two of us to a wonderful performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at the National Cathedral. The musicians were amazing with clear, pure tones and the cathedral was such a beautiful setting.
Recently, Sunita and Andy have started looking at houses, hoping to be able to find a place of their own. We had the privilege of going with them to preview a couple of places, and are glad to give some input. One of their favorite out-of-town retreats is in the Shenandoah Mountains and another is the quietly reverent of a Franciscan monastery that in town. They also love spending “free time” at soccer games – Andy playing goalie and Sunita being the faithful soccer wife.
Toward the end of July I flew down to DC (the same trip that took Sunita and me to the National Zoo) to help Laureen with her move up from Virginia. After getting Andy, Sunita, and some of Laureen’s friends to help pack the U-Haul, we learned the fine art of “kicking it to the curb”. The next day I donned my best truck driver attitude and drove the U-Haul van from Falls Church, Virginia to New York State. It was quite a daunting experience. Laureen left the charming colonial brick house in Falls Church, Virginia, which was her home for over two years, and began a new adventure nearer to our home. After joining the rest of the family on vacation in New Hampshire, she took a job at Lourdes Hospital, where she meets and greets new babies and their mamas, and tends Level 2 Nursery patients. In October, the Lord blessed Laureen with a new home –half a house (plus) - located just one block away from Lourdes. She had prayed for a two bedroom apartment with washer and dryer, and had her prayers answered exceedingly above what she could ask or think. It is great to have her nearby, and it is good to know that on wintry days she can walk to work. She has recently been reconnecting with some of the friends she has known since high school and college. She loves to entertain, and she and Jovita even entertained the young cousins by having the girls for a sleepover at her home.
Laureen is having a great time getting ready for Christmas. She and a college friend, Julia, went with us into the wild hills to hunt down a Christmas tree for the parsonage. We returned with a beautiful balsam fir, cold feet, chilly noses, and light hearts. There is still something about a wagon ride out into the fields of firs that still brings out the kid in us. Laureen has been preparing her own home with swags and candles on the mantle, lights, trees, and festive decorations. She has planned for a Christmas Open House, for which she has been making preparations for weeks now.
Jessica is still living and working in Philadelphia – for over two years now. She shares an apartment with her cousin, Jovita, who is also working in Philly. Jessica has been home several times this year, sometimes with Tom and sometimes coming up with Jovita. She helped us celebrate birthdays – Simeon’s and her dad’s. When she and Tom came up this summer, both made fast friendships with Micah and Simeon. She and Tom also traveled up to New Hampshire to be a part of the fun there. She is quite a drill sergeant on the hiking trail, I hear.
We really miss Jessy’s quick wit and good humor, but she is doing well as a city girl. She was excited that the home team won the World Series this year, and though she didn’t get to see a Series game, she was able to see part of the parade given in honor of the World Series Champions. She was also able to go to a Duke basketball game last winter when the Blue Devils came to town – Tom’s Christmas present to her last year. Jess still calls and chats, and loves to wow her friends with her chocolate chip cookies or her eggnog.
It has been a good year for one and all. Brown was able to go to Boston, Washington, DC, and India this year. He has enjoyed telephone conversations with everyone, especially Micah, and has also loved the time that he spent with the grandchildren at various times during the year. How they grow and change, but their gramps loves every minute with them. All of us met in North Conway, New Hampshire this year for a one week getaway in the heart of the Presidential Range of mountains. There, we hiked to Lonesome Lake, drove through an Alpine Village and past Storybook Land, looked out over the land from Cathedral Ledge, played miniature golf, shopped, and drove a convoy of three cars up Mount Washington. We loved spending time relaxing with the whole family and playing with Micah and Simeon. We also loved that Janice and the children were here for the first week in September and for Micah’s birthday celebration in October. In October they visited the pumpkin farm, Apple Hills, and the Cider Mill, and swished through the autumn leaves.
This summer Brown spent over a month in India along with most of the Naik relatives who reside in the US. When it was time to come home the roads were barricaded, and their return was delayed for a week. How grateful I was when they were able to come back safely before full violence erupted in Orissa during August. This summer began some very stressful and dangerous times in Orissa. Brown’s brother, Potel, was arrested, and has been held without bond, bail, or trial since July. In August, his mother and Potel’s son and daughter fled to the jungle, where living among the snakes seemed safer than staying at home. One Sunday morning they awoke to see a mob entering their home to burn it down. Their house and belongings have been utterly destroyed, but they were able to escape to a neighboring village. Now the three are living in a city several hours away, but they are grateful to be alive. They were among many thousands of Christians to be burned out of their homes in recent months. Many have died in Orissa, but Christ still lives within the believers there.
One of the greatest highlights of the year for Brown was his 60th birthday party. Held more than a month late, it was well worth the wait. Sunita, Laureen, and Jessica were gracious hostesses, and they emceed and took photos, too. There was a tremendous outpouring of affection from the many friends who came. The party was a veritable feast of Indian food (and other foods, too). Anecdotes were shared, and enjoyed by all.
When Brown went to India in June I was still in school, finishing up my eighth year of teaching full-time in Marathon. When things wrapped up there, I departed for Boston for a time, traveled back home to set up for Simeon’s first birthday celebration, went back to Boston, flew to DC, drove to New York, went to New Hampshire for a week, and on it goes. Since September I have been teaching the new Integrated Geometry that is New York’s newest mandate for 10th grade students, and a return to the old way of teaching proof upon proof. Since the first day of school, the time has flown, and we are already planning and preparing for the celebration of our Lord’s birth. That brings us full circle, ready to close out the old year and begin anew.
In all things we are grateful. The Lord has given us home, family, and jobs. We weren’t planning to take an early retirement, so the present economy is less of a setback to us than if we had done so. Our daughters and their loved ones are well. We find a hearty welcome awaiting us in Boston, Washington, and Philadelphia any time we are able to go. Our family in India is still safe, at least for now, though the situation could worsen again. God is still in control, and we must trust him in all circumstances.
Christmas is almost here – ready or not. Who could believe the forest that has sprung up in and around the parsonage? There are trees in almost every room, except bathrooms and the study, and the balsam in the dining room smells amazing. No scent from an aerosol can is able to compare to the real thing. We are almost ready for Christmas, with last minute gifts to buy and wrap and some special cooking and baking to do. We are ready for Christmas joy to break upon us, like sunrise on a new morning.
Recently Brown and I were traveling early in the morning. We traveled for over an hour before the slightest hint of light began to seep into the morning sky. It grew imperceptibly, gradually smudging a grey hue into the sky that had been almost black. The sooty grey was soon blended with traces of rose, gold, and then blue. Day finally broke upon us with a wide band of rosy, golden light, suddenly shooting out of the Eastern sky. I don’t think that the coming of Christ was quite like that. I believe that the Jewish people were living lives of quiet desperation, knowing intense darkness in every corner of their lives. It was so much darker than ever before; when Christ came to bring His light and enlightenment to the people it was like having a spotlight shine into their eyes in the middle of the blackest night. They were so used to groping around in the darkness that they could not welcome the Light of the world. “And the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” They could not understand Jesus, and were not sure that they wanted to.
Do we want to know the Light of the world? Do we want to expose every area of our lives to the light of Jesus, every sin, every lie, and every wayward thought? Yes! Expose it and then remove it. O come to us, Emmanuel. O come to us, Prince of peace. Let your peace pervade every part of our lives. Let your grace shine through us to the world around us.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Brown and Alice
Merry Christmas,
It's beginning to look, feel, sound, and smell a lot like Christmas everywhere. We are excited and thrilled that we can celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior one more time. Praise the Lord for the way our Lord and God, surrounded by majesty and glory, came down to a world filled with the mundane. He invaded the world at the beachhead of Bethlehem and brought His glory to the mangers of life, which are often filled with cow dung. He transformed it into His dwelling place and Holy habitation. May He come into our hearts and into our hearths pervading us with His Truth and Grace. May the Lord fill you and yours with His everlasting Joy.
We are excited to have all our family coming to be together here this week. Sunita and Andy are coming this evening. Jessica is coming this evening, too. Her boyfriend, Tom, also will be joining us. Janice and Jeremy, who are planning to celebrate Christmas Day at their home in Massachusetts, are planning to be here with us the day after Christmas. Micah and Simeon are coming too, of course, to celebrate Christmas here with us.
We are excited about the Christmas Eve Services, at 7 PM and 10:30 PM. Those who live around here, please join us.
My wife has turned the parsonage into a Christmas house. She has placed over 30 lighted trees in and around the house, and there are a variety of small trees as well.
I am enclosing herewith a copy of our annual Christmas letter, a gift of love from us to you. My wife composes the Christmas letter each year, lovingly, reflectively, and carefully. I call it her "Christmas epistle".
Thank you for your beautiful cards and letters. Also, special thanks to those who have sent gifts to be sent to Orissa. Our Christian friends there will be glad to know that their brothers and sisters in the United States are standing with them.
May Jesus, the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, return to you His rich blessings a hundred-fold, sixty-fold, thirty-fold.
Christmas, 2008
Gigantic clusters of feathery flakes floating down in the dark sky. . frosty air forming miniature clouds with each breath. . . children sliding, making snow angels, or building forts. . . churches warmly aglow with candlelight and carols. . . mugs of frothy hot chocolate and platters of gingerbread, snowballs, and spritz. . . lights, trees, swags, and brightly colored packages artistically placed around the house. . . Currier and Ives paintings on glittery Christmas cards. . . dolls and teddy bears nestled in the tree, with stockings scattered around. . . friends, family, and fun all around. . . daddies proudly bearing mountains of gifts out to the living room after the wee ones have been securely tucked into bed. . .
These are but a few of the imprinted memories that are the hallmark of this time of year. The green, red, and gold of gifts and decorations, bathed in a glow from lights and candles, make every hearth and home seem even more warm and welcoming at this time of year. Isn’t it wonderful how we associate our Christmases with some of favorite memories of times past? It seems that each year we want Christmas present to live up to the Paul Bunyon-sized Christmases that live in our hearts and minds. We want to give the best, have the best, love the best, create the best memories ever. That is a tall order.
The evergreen trees at Christmas time point to the sky, reminding us of the Savior who came to bring everlasting life in and through Jesus Christ. They also remind us of the cross where He suffered and died, that He might bring us life. Wreaths that deck our doors and walls are reminiscent of the crowns of laurel worn by victors in ancient battles. They also are in the shape of the circle – a figure with no beginning and no end. Lights remind us of the star that shone over Bethlehem, leading the poor shepherds and the weary wise men to the humble manger where Jesus, the Messiah, was laid. They also remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world, and that His light can never remain dim or hidden. The gold used at Christmas time reminds us of the gold that was brought to Jesus as His first kingly birthday gift, and the many sweet scents of Christmas remind us of the frankincense that was brought to Him as a symbol of His priesthood. The reds of Christmas remind us of the shed blood of Jesus, given freely to redeem us from our sin and degradation. The downcast and downtrodden at Christmas time remind us that there are still many who have not trusted the Savior, who do not share the joy of the season because they have never met Emmanuel, God with us.
This Christmas, 2008, is a very special Christmas. It is, more than ever, a year in which we are to look to the cares, hopes, dreams, needs, and wants of our fellow sojourners on this planet. In 2008 we beheld many tragic events unfold around the world – human rights abuses in nation upon nation, warfare without end, destruction of thousands of homes belonging to Christians in India and elsewhere, terror which has robbed many of much-desired peace, job losses that have tested the hopes and dreams of many families, dire economic news, and so on – because of all of this we need to reach out a hand to help him or her whom the Lord places in our path or in our hearts. This is destined to be a year when God opens the storehouses of heaven and pours out his blessings if His children do their part. All is not lost. God still is upon the throne of the Universe, deeply caring for each of His children and longing for us all to be willing servants, sharing His love with those who are in need around us. We need to be bearers of the tidings of great joy, “which shall be to all people.” We are called to be light to the darkness all around us. That is our calling, our destiny, and our joy.
2008 has been a year of tremendous contrasts and contradictions, containing joys and sorrows, and even joy despite sorrows. It has been a year of Amen and Amen.
Janice and Jeremy have settled well into their lovely home in Jamaica Plain, MA, where they love to run, walk, explore, and play with Micah (who recently turned 3!!!) and Simeon (who is now almost 1½ !!!) We spend as much time as we can with them, so that the grandchildren will know their Gramps and Grams very well. In January we went out to their place so that we could attend Simeon’s baptism service. It was a great blessing for us, and a great photo op as well. In May Jeremy finished his law degree from Boston University. May also led Laureen and me to Vermont to the home of our good friend, Warren and Linda Ayer, so that we could help watch the little ones while Janice and Jeremy split the running of the Burlington Marathon. It was great fun spending that time with them, visiting Warren and Linda, and watching the little ones interact with their newfound adult friends. Who knew that a tortilla chip could make such a good spoon for feeding little Simeon his baby food? (Apparently Warren did.)
Brown and I also took some good grandparent trips to Boston over the summer. During one of them a good friend of Janice and Jeremy’s was killed in the line of duty as a police officer in Fort Myers, Florida, so I watched Micah while her parents attended the funeral. (Police officer Andy Widmann wanted the world to know Christ and once had desired to be a missionary in Myanmar. Over two thousand police officers from around the nation attended his funeral, where the gospel was clearly presented by several individuals.)
Jeremy has settled into his job with a downtown firm, has taken the bar and passed, and is now a member of the Bar Association of Massachusetts. Janice has happily reduced her workload to (usually) one day a week. She loves spending more time being the mama of their sweet children. In July we celebrated Simeon’s birthday here in Union Center, with lots of adoring family members, in October we celebrated Micah’s birthday here with her “cousins” (Bernard, Elisha, Susanna, Shelley, Sharon, and Hosanna), and we are looking forward to Christmas celebrations with them. Micah has already made a date with her Grams to go to the beach together next summer. She and Simeon recently had their first lesson in rock climbing, and have already enjoyed hiking, camping, and canoeing.
Sunita and Andy are doing well in Washington, DC. Sunita continues to work and travel for World Vision, and her travels took both of them to Lisbon, Portugal for a few days. Sunita instantly loved the bright, sun-drenched city. Sunita also made multiple trips to various parts of Africa in 2008. Such trips are exhausting, but she loves the places and the people wherever she goes. Sunita and Andy flew to India to join Brown there this summer, and they also have joined us several times here in Union Center this year, most recently over Thanksgiving week. It is always a joy to have Sunita and Andy with us. They also joined us for a week in North Conway, New Hampshire, where we all got together for hiking, games, sight-seeing in the beautiful Presidential Range, and lots and lots of eating. We introduced Andy to frozen M&M’s during our nighttime rounds of card games.
Brown and I visited Sunita and Andy during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Along with Laureen, we all walked around the Tidal Basin, visiting the FDR Memorial for the first time. The cherry trees were in full bloom, as were many magnolias, and it was magnificent. I took a solo trip down to DC in the summer, and visited the National Zoo with Sunita. The two of us walked back to her place in ninety-plus degree heat, traversing through Rock Creek Park. Recently Sunita and Andy treated the two of us to a wonderful performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at the National Cathedral. The musicians were amazing with clear, pure tones and the cathedral was such a beautiful setting.
Recently, Sunita and Andy have started looking at houses, hoping to be able to find a place of their own. We had the privilege of going with them to preview a couple of places, and are glad to give some input. One of their favorite out-of-town retreats is in the Shenandoah Mountains and another is the quietly reverent of a Franciscan monastery that in town. They also love spending “free time” at soccer games – Andy playing goalie and Sunita being the faithful soccer wife.
Toward the end of July I flew down to DC (the same trip that took Sunita and me to the National Zoo) to help Laureen with her move up from Virginia. After getting Andy, Sunita, and some of Laureen’s friends to help pack the U-Haul, we learned the fine art of “kicking it to the curb”. The next day I donned my best truck driver attitude and drove the U-Haul van from Falls Church, Virginia to New York State. It was quite a daunting experience. Laureen left the charming colonial brick house in Falls Church, Virginia, which was her home for over two years, and began a new adventure nearer to our home. After joining the rest of the family on vacation in New Hampshire, she took a job at Lourdes Hospital, where she meets and greets new babies and their mamas, and tends Level 2 Nursery patients. In October, the Lord blessed Laureen with a new home –half a house (plus) - located just one block away from Lourdes. She had prayed for a two bedroom apartment with washer and dryer, and had her prayers answered exceedingly above what she could ask or think. It is great to have her nearby, and it is good to know that on wintry days she can walk to work. She has recently been reconnecting with some of the friends she has known since high school and college. She loves to entertain, and she and Jovita even entertained the young cousins by having the girls for a sleepover at her home.
Laureen is having a great time getting ready for Christmas. She and a college friend, Julia, went with us into the wild hills to hunt down a Christmas tree for the parsonage. We returned with a beautiful balsam fir, cold feet, chilly noses, and light hearts. There is still something about a wagon ride out into the fields of firs that still brings out the kid in us. Laureen has been preparing her own home with swags and candles on the mantle, lights, trees, and festive decorations. She has planned for a Christmas Open House, for which she has been making preparations for weeks now.
Jessica is still living and working in Philadelphia – for over two years now. She shares an apartment with her cousin, Jovita, who is also working in Philly. Jessica has been home several times this year, sometimes with Tom and sometimes coming up with Jovita. She helped us celebrate birthdays – Simeon’s and her dad’s. When she and Tom came up this summer, both made fast friendships with Micah and Simeon. She and Tom also traveled up to New Hampshire to be a part of the fun there. She is quite a drill sergeant on the hiking trail, I hear.
We really miss Jessy’s quick wit and good humor, but she is doing well as a city girl. She was excited that the home team won the World Series this year, and though she didn’t get to see a Series game, she was able to see part of the parade given in honor of the World Series Champions. She was also able to go to a Duke basketball game last winter when the Blue Devils came to town – Tom’s Christmas present to her last year. Jess still calls and chats, and loves to wow her friends with her chocolate chip cookies or her eggnog.
It has been a good year for one and all. Brown was able to go to Boston, Washington, DC, and India this year. He has enjoyed telephone conversations with everyone, especially Micah, and has also loved the time that he spent with the grandchildren at various times during the year. How they grow and change, but their gramps loves every minute with them. All of us met in North Conway, New Hampshire this year for a one week getaway in the heart of the Presidential Range of mountains. There, we hiked to Lonesome Lake, drove through an Alpine Village and past Storybook Land, looked out over the land from Cathedral Ledge, played miniature golf, shopped, and drove a convoy of three cars up Mount Washington. We loved spending time relaxing with the whole family and playing with Micah and Simeon. We also loved that Janice and the children were here for the first week in September and for Micah’s birthday celebration in October. In October they visited the pumpkin farm, Apple Hills, and the Cider Mill, and swished through the autumn leaves.
This summer Brown spent over a month in India along with most of the Naik relatives who reside in the US. When it was time to come home the roads were barricaded, and their return was delayed for a week. How grateful I was when they were able to come back safely before full violence erupted in Orissa during August. This summer began some very stressful and dangerous times in Orissa. Brown’s brother, Potel, was arrested, and has been held without bond, bail, or trial since July. In August, his mother and Potel’s son and daughter fled to the jungle, where living among the snakes seemed safer than staying at home. One Sunday morning they awoke to see a mob entering their home to burn it down. Their house and belongings have been utterly destroyed, but they were able to escape to a neighboring village. Now the three are living in a city several hours away, but they are grateful to be alive. They were among many thousands of Christians to be burned out of their homes in recent months. Many have died in Orissa, but Christ still lives within the believers there.
One of the greatest highlights of the year for Brown was his 60th birthday party. Held more than a month late, it was well worth the wait. Sunita, Laureen, and Jessica were gracious hostesses, and they emceed and took photos, too. There was a tremendous outpouring of affection from the many friends who came. The party was a veritable feast of Indian food (and other foods, too). Anecdotes were shared, and enjoyed by all.
When Brown went to India in June I was still in school, finishing up my eighth year of teaching full-time in Marathon. When things wrapped up there, I departed for Boston for a time, traveled back home to set up for Simeon’s first birthday celebration, went back to Boston, flew to DC, drove to New York, went to New Hampshire for a week, and on it goes. Since September I have been teaching the new Integrated Geometry that is New York’s newest mandate for 10th grade students, and a return to the old way of teaching proof upon proof. Since the first day of school, the time has flown, and we are already planning and preparing for the celebration of our Lord’s birth. That brings us full circle, ready to close out the old year and begin anew.
In all things we are grateful. The Lord has given us home, family, and jobs. We weren’t planning to take an early retirement, so the present economy is less of a setback to us than if we had done so. Our daughters and their loved ones are well. We find a hearty welcome awaiting us in Boston, Washington, and Philadelphia any time we are able to go. Our family in India is still safe, at least for now, though the situation could worsen again. God is still in control, and we must trust him in all circumstances.
Christmas is almost here – ready or not. Who could believe the forest that has sprung up in and around the parsonage? There are trees in almost every room, except bathrooms and the study, and the balsam in the dining room smells amazing. No scent from an aerosol can is able to compare to the real thing. We are almost ready for Christmas, with last minute gifts to buy and wrap and some special cooking and baking to do. We are ready for Christmas joy to break upon us, like sunrise on a new morning.
Recently Brown and I were traveling early in the morning. We traveled for over an hour before the slightest hint of light began to seep into the morning sky. It grew imperceptibly, gradually smudging a grey hue into the sky that had been almost black. The sooty grey was soon blended with traces of rose, gold, and then blue. Day finally broke upon us with a wide band of rosy, golden light, suddenly shooting out of the Eastern sky. I don’t think that the coming of Christ was quite like that. I believe that the Jewish people were living lives of quiet desperation, knowing intense darkness in every corner of their lives. It was so much darker than ever before; when Christ came to bring His light and enlightenment to the people it was like having a spotlight shine into their eyes in the middle of the blackest night. They were so used to groping around in the darkness that they could not welcome the Light of the world. “And the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” They could not understand Jesus, and were not sure that they wanted to.
Do we want to know the Light of the world? Do we want to expose every area of our lives to the light of Jesus, every sin, every lie, and every wayward thought? Yes! Expose it and then remove it. O come to us, Emmanuel. O come to us, Prince of peace. Let your peace pervade every part of our lives. Let your grace shine through us to the world around us.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Brown and Alice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWn7HHI-
It's beginning to look, feel, sound, and smell a lot like Christmas everywhere. We are excited and thrilled that we can celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior one more time. Praise the Lord for the way our Lord and God, surrounded by majesty and glory, came down to a world filled with the mundane. He invaded the world at the beachhead of Bethlehem and brought His glory to the mangers of life, which are often filled with cow dung. He transformed it into His dwelling place and Holy habitation. May He come into our hearts and into our hearths pervading us with His Truth and Grace. May the Lord fill you and yours with His everlasting Joy.
We are excited to have all our family coming to be together here this week. Sunita and Andy are coming this evening. Jessica is coming this evening, too. Her boyfriend, Tom, also will be joining us. Janice and Jeremy, who are planning to celebrate Christmas Day at their home in Massachusetts, are planning to be here with us the day after Christmas. Micah and Simeon are coming too, of course, to celebrate Christmas here with us.
We are excited about the Christmas Eve Services, at 7 PM and 10:30 PM. Those who live around here, please join us.
My wife has turned the parsonage into a Christmas house. She has placed over 30 lighted trees in and around the house, and there are a variety of small trees as well.
I am enclosing herewith a copy of our annual Christmas letter, a gift of love from us to you. My wife composes the Christmas letter each year, lovingly, reflectively, and carefully. I call it her "Christmas epistle".
Thank you for your beautiful cards and letters. Also, special thanks to those who have sent gifts to be sent to Orissa. Our Christian friends there will be glad to know that their brothers and sisters in the United States are standing with them.
May Jesus, the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, return to you His rich blessings a hundred-fold, sixty-fold, thirty-fold.
Christmas, 2008
Gigantic clusters of feathery flakes floating down in the dark sky. . frosty air forming miniature clouds with each breath. . . children sliding, making snow angels, or building forts. . . churches warmly aglow with candlelight and carols. . . mugs of frothy hot chocolate and platters of gingerbread, snowballs, and spritz. . . lights, trees, swags, and brightly colored packages artistically placed around the house. . . Currier and Ives paintings on glittery Christmas cards. . . dolls and teddy bears nestled in the tree, with stockings scattered around. . . friends, family, and fun all around. . . daddies proudly bearing mountains of gifts out to the living room after the wee ones have been securely tucked into bed. . .
These are but a few of the imprinted memories that are the hallmark of this time of year. The green, red, and gold of gifts and decorations, bathed in a glow from lights and candles, make every hearth and home seem even more warm and welcoming at this time of year. Isn’t it wonderful how we associate our Christmases with some of favorite memories of times past? It seems that each year we want Christmas present to live up to the Paul Bunyon-sized Christmases that live in our hearts and minds. We want to give the best, have the best, love the best, create the best memories ever. That is a tall order.
The evergreen trees at Christmas time point to the sky, reminding us of the Savior who came to bring everlasting life in and through Jesus Christ. They also remind us of the cross where He suffered and died, that He might bring us life. Wreaths that deck our doors and walls are reminiscent of the crowns of laurel worn by victors in ancient battles. They also are in the shape of the circle – a figure with no beginning and no end. Lights remind us of the star that shone over Bethlehem, leading the poor shepherds and the weary wise men to the humble manger where Jesus, the Messiah, was laid. They also remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world, and that His light can never remain dim or hidden. The gold used at Christmas time reminds us of the gold that was brought to Jesus as His first kingly birthday gift, and the many sweet scents of Christmas remind us of the frankincense that was brought to Him as a symbol of His priesthood. The reds of Christmas remind us of the shed blood of Jesus, given freely to redeem us from our sin and degradation. The downcast and downtrodden at Christmas time remind us that there are still many who have not trusted the Savior, who do not share the joy of the season because they have never met Emmanuel, God with us.
This Christmas, 2008, is a very special Christmas. It is, more than ever, a year in which we are to look to the cares, hopes, dreams, needs, and wants of our fellow sojourners on this planet. In 2008 we beheld many tragic events unfold around the world – human rights abuses in nation upon nation, warfare without end, destruction of thousands of homes belonging to Christians in India and elsewhere, terror which has robbed many of much-desired peace, job losses that have tested the hopes and dreams of many families, dire economic news, and so on – because of all of this we need to reach out a hand to help him or her whom the Lord places in our path or in our hearts. This is destined to be a year when God opens the storehouses of heaven and pours out his blessings if His children do their part. All is not lost. God still is upon the throne of the Universe, deeply caring for each of His children and longing for us all to be willing servants, sharing His love with those who are in need around us. We need to be bearers of the tidings of great joy, “which shall be to all people.” We are called to be light to the darkness all around us. That is our calling, our destiny, and our joy.
2008 has been a year of tremendous contrasts and contradictions, containing joys and sorrows, and even joy despite sorrows. It has been a year of Amen and Amen.
Janice and Jeremy have settled well into their lovely home in Jamaica Plain, MA, where they love to run, walk, explore, and play with Micah (who recently turned 3!!!) and Simeon (who is now almost 1½ !!!) We spend as much time as we can with them, so that the grandchildren will know their Gramps and Grams very well. In January we went out to their place so that we could attend Simeon’s baptism service. It was a great blessing for us, and a great photo op as well. In May Jeremy finished his law degree from Boston University. May also led Laureen and me to Vermont to the home of our good friend, Warren and Linda Ayer, so that we could help watch the little ones while Janice and Jeremy split the running of the Burlington Marathon. It was great fun spending that time with them, visiting Warren and Linda, and watching the little ones interact with their newfound adult friends. Who knew that a tortilla chip could make such a good spoon for feeding little Simeon his baby food? (Apparently Warren did.)
Brown and I also took some good grandparent trips to Boston over the summer. During one of them a good friend of Janice and Jeremy’s was killed in the line of duty as a police officer in Fort Myers, Florida, so I watched Micah while her parents attended the funeral. (Police officer Andy Widmann wanted the world to know Christ and once had desired to be a missionary in Myanmar. Over two thousand police officers from around the nation attended his funeral, where the gospel was clearly presented by several individuals.)
Jeremy has settled into his job with a downtown firm, has taken the bar and passed, and is now a member of the Bar Association of Massachusetts. Janice has happily reduced her workload to (usually) one day a week. She loves spending more time being the mama of their sweet children. In July we celebrated Simeon’s birthday here in Union Center, with lots of adoring family members, in October we celebrated Micah’s birthday here with her “cousins” (Bernard, Elisha, Susanna, Shelley, Sharon, and Hosanna), and we are looking forward to Christmas celebrations with them. Micah has already made a date with her Grams to go to the beach together next summer. She and Simeon recently had their first lesson in rock climbing, and have already enjoyed hiking, camping, and canoeing.
Sunita and Andy are doing well in Washington, DC. Sunita continues to work and travel for World Vision, and her travels took both of them to Lisbon, Portugal for a few days. Sunita instantly loved the bright, sun-drenched city. Sunita also made multiple trips to various parts of Africa in 2008. Such trips are exhausting, but she loves the places and the people wherever she goes. Sunita and Andy flew to India to join Brown there this summer, and they also have joined us several times here in Union Center this year, most recently over Thanksgiving week. It is always a joy to have Sunita and Andy with us. They also joined us for a week in North Conway, New Hampshire, where we all got together for hiking, games, sight-seeing in the beautiful Presidential Range, and lots and lots of eating. We introduced Andy to frozen M&M’s during our nighttime rounds of card games.
Brown and I visited Sunita and Andy during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Along with Laureen, we all walked around the Tidal Basin, visiting the FDR Memorial for the first time. The cherry trees were in full bloom, as were many magnolias, and it was magnificent. I took a solo trip down to DC in the summer, and visited the National Zoo with Sunita. The two of us walked back to her place in ninety-plus degree heat, traversing through Rock Creek Park. Recently Sunita and Andy treated the two of us to a wonderful performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at the National Cathedral. The musicians were amazing with clear, pure tones and the cathedral was such a beautiful setting.
Recently, Sunita and Andy have started looking at houses, hoping to be able to find a place of their own. We had the privilege of going with them to preview a couple of places, and are glad to give some input. One of their favorite out-of-town retreats is in the Shenandoah Mountains and another is the quietly reverent of a Franciscan monastery that in town. They also love spending “free time” at soccer games – Andy playing goalie and Sunita being the faithful soccer wife.
Toward the end of July I flew down to DC (the same trip that took Sunita and me to the National Zoo) to help Laureen with her move up from Virginia. After getting Andy, Sunita, and some of Laureen’s friends to help pack the U-Haul, we learned the fine art of “kicking it to the curb”. The next day I donned my best truck driver attitude and drove the U-Haul van from Falls Church, Virginia to New York State. It was quite a daunting experience. Laureen left the charming colonial brick house in Falls Church, Virginia, which was her home for over two years, and began a new adventure nearer to our home. After joining the rest of the family on vacation in New Hampshire, she took a job at Lourdes Hospital, where she meets and greets new babies and their mamas, and tends Level 2 Nursery patients. In October, the Lord blessed Laureen with a new home –half a house (plus) - located just one block away from Lourdes. She had prayed for a two bedroom apartment with washer and dryer, and had her prayers answered exceedingly above what she could ask or think. It is great to have her nearby, and it is good to know that on wintry days she can walk to work. She has recently been reconnecting with some of the friends she has known since high school and college. She loves to entertain, and she and Jovita even entertained the young cousins by having the girls for a sleepover at her home.
Laureen is having a great time getting ready for Christmas. She and a college friend, Julia, went with us into the wild hills to hunt down a Christmas tree for the parsonage. We returned with a beautiful balsam fir, cold feet, chilly noses, and light hearts. There is still something about a wagon ride out into the fields of firs that still brings out the kid in us. Laureen has been preparing her own home with swags and candles on the mantle, lights, trees, and festive decorations. She has planned for a Christmas Open House, for which she has been making preparations for weeks now.
Jessica is still living and working in Philadelphia – for over two years now. She shares an apartment with her cousin, Jovita, who is also working in Philly. Jessica has been home several times this year, sometimes with Tom and sometimes coming up with Jovita. She helped us celebrate birthdays – Simeon’s and her dad’s. When she and Tom came up this summer, both made fast friendships with Micah and Simeon. She and Tom also traveled up to New Hampshire to be a part of the fun there. She is quite a drill sergeant on the hiking trail, I hear.
We really miss Jessy’s quick wit and good humor, but she is doing well as a city girl. She was excited that the home team won the World Series this year, and though she didn’t get to see a Series game, she was able to see part of the parade given in honor of the World Series Champions. She was also able to go to a Duke basketball game last winter when the Blue Devils came to town – Tom’s Christmas present to her last year. Jess still calls and chats, and loves to wow her friends with her chocolate chip cookies or her eggnog.
It has been a good year for one and all. Brown was able to go to Boston, Washington, DC, and India this year. He has enjoyed telephone conversations with everyone, especially Micah, and has also loved the time that he spent with the grandchildren at various times during the year. How they grow and change, but their gramps loves every minute with them. All of us met in North Conway, New Hampshire this year for a one week getaway in the heart of the Presidential Range of mountains. There, we hiked to Lonesome Lake, drove through an Alpine Village and past Storybook Land, looked out over the land from Cathedral Ledge, played miniature golf, shopped, and drove a convoy of three cars up Mount Washington. We loved spending time relaxing with the whole family and playing with Micah and Simeon. We also loved that Janice and the children were here for the first week in September and for Micah’s birthday celebration in October. In October they visited the pumpkin farm, Apple Hills, and the Cider Mill, and swished through the autumn leaves.
This summer Brown spent over a month in India along with most of the Naik relatives who reside in the US. When it was time to come home the roads were barricaded, and their return was delayed for a week. How grateful I was when they were able to come back safely before full violence erupted in Orissa during August. This summer began some very stressful and dangerous times in Orissa. Brown’s brother, Potel, was arrested, and has been held without bond, bail, or trial since July. In August, his mother and Potel’s son and daughter fled to the jungle, where living among the snakes seemed safer than staying at home. One Sunday morning they awoke to see a mob entering their home to burn it down. Their house and belongings have been utterly destroyed, but they were able to escape to a neighboring village. Now the three are living in a city several hours away, but they are grateful to be alive. They were among many thousands of Christians to be burned out of their homes in recent months. Many have died in Orissa, but Christ still lives within the believers there.
One of the greatest highlights of the year for Brown was his 60th birthday party. Held more than a month late, it was well worth the wait. Sunita, Laureen, and Jessica were gracious hostesses, and they emceed and took photos, too. There was a tremendous outpouring of affection from the many friends who came. The party was a veritable feast of Indian food (and other foods, too). Anecdotes were shared, and enjoyed by all.
When Brown went to India in June I was still in school, finishing up my eighth year of teaching full-time in Marathon. When things wrapped up there, I departed for Boston for a time, traveled back home to set up for Simeon’s first birthday celebration, went back to Boston, flew to DC, drove to New York, went to New Hampshire for a week, and on it goes. Since September I have been teaching the new Integrated Geometry that is New York’s newest mandate for 10th grade students, and a return to the old way of teaching proof upon proof. Since the first day of school, the time has flown, and we are already planning and preparing for the celebration of our Lord’s birth. That brings us full circle, ready to close out the old year and begin anew.
In all things we are grateful. The Lord has given us home, family, and jobs. We weren’t planning to take an early retirement, so the present economy is less of a setback to us than if we had done so. Our daughters and their loved ones are well. We find a hearty welcome awaiting us in Boston, Washington, and Philadelphia any time we are able to go. Our family in India is still safe, at least for now, though the situation could worsen again. God is still in control, and we must trust him in all circumstances.
Christmas is almost here – ready or not. Who could believe the forest that has sprung up in and around the parsonage? There are trees in almost every room, except bathrooms and the study, and the balsam in the dining room smells amazing. No scent from an aerosol can is able to compare to the real thing. We are almost ready for Christmas, with last minute gifts to buy and wrap and some special cooking and baking to do. We are ready for Christmas joy to break upon us, like sunrise on a new morning.
Recently Brown and I were traveling early in the morning. We traveled for over an hour before the slightest hint of light began to seep into the morning sky. It grew imperceptibly, gradually smudging a grey hue into the sky that had been almost black. The sooty grey was soon blended with traces of rose, gold, and then blue. Day finally broke upon us with a wide band of rosy, golden light, suddenly shooting out of the Eastern sky. I don’t think that the coming of Christ was quite like that. I believe that the Jewish people were living lives of quiet desperation, knowing intense darkness in every corner of their lives. It was so much darker than ever before; when Christ came to bring His light and enlightenment to the people it was like having a spotlight shine into their eyes in the middle of the blackest night. They were so used to groping around in the darkness that they could not welcome the Light of the world. “And the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” They could not understand Jesus, and were not sure that they wanted to.
Do we want to know the Light of the world? Do we want to expose every area of our lives to the light of Jesus, every sin, every lie, and every wayward thought? Yes! Expose it and then remove it. O come to us, Emmanuel. O come to us, Prince of peace. Let your peace pervade every part of our lives. Let your grace shine through us to the world around us.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Brown and Alice
Merry Christmas,
It's beginning to look, feel, sound, and smell a lot like Christmas everywhere. We are excited and thrilled that we can celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior one more time. Praise the Lord for the way our Lord and God, surrounded by majesty and glory, came down to a world filled with the mundane. He invaded the world at the beachhead of Bethlehem and brought His glory to the mangers of life, which are often filled with cow dung. He transformed it into His dwelling place and Holy habitation. May He come into our hearts and into our hearths pervading us with His Truth and Grace. May the Lord fill you and yours with His everlasting Joy.
We are excited to have all our family coming to be together here this week. Sunita and Andy are coming this evening. Jessica is coming this evening, too. Her boyfriend, Tom, also will be joining us. Janice and Jeremy, who are planning to celebrate Christmas Day at their home in Massachusetts, are planning to be here with us the day after Christmas. Micah and Simeon are coming too, of course, to celebrate Christmas here with us.
We are excited about the Christmas Eve Services, at 7 PM and 10:30 PM. Those who live around here, please join us.
My wife has turned the parsonage into a Christmas house. She has placed over 30 lighted trees in and around the house, and there are a variety of small trees as well.
I am enclosing herewith a copy of our annual Christmas letter, a gift of love from us to you. My wife composes the Christmas letter each year, lovingly, reflectively, and carefully. I call it her "Christmas epistle".
Thank you for your beautiful cards and letters. Also, special thanks to those who have sent gifts to be sent to Orissa. Our Christian friends there will be glad to know that their brothers and sisters in the United States are standing with them.
May Jesus, the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, return to you His rich blessings a hundred-fold, sixty-fold, thirty-fold.
Christmas, 2008
Gigantic clusters of feathery flakes floating down in the dark sky. . frosty air forming miniature clouds with each breath. . . children sliding, making snow angels, or building forts. . . churches warmly aglow with candlelight and carols. . . mugs of frothy hot chocolate and platters of gingerbread, snowballs, and spritz. . . lights, trees, swags, and brightly colored packages artistically placed around the house. . . Currier and Ives paintings on glittery Christmas cards. . . dolls and teddy bears nestled in the tree, with stockings scattered around. . . friends, family, and fun all around. . . daddies proudly bearing mountains of gifts out to the living room after the wee ones have been securely tucked into bed. . .
These are but a few of the imprinted memories that are the hallmark of this time of year. The green, red, and gold of gifts and decorations, bathed in a glow from lights and candles, make every hearth and home seem even more warm and welcoming at this time of year. Isn’t it wonderful how we associate our Christmases with some of favorite memories of times past? It seems that each year we want Christmas present to live up to the Paul Bunyon-sized Christmases that live in our hearts and minds. We want to give the best, have the best, love the best, create the best memories ever. That is a tall order.
The evergreen trees at Christmas time point to the sky, reminding us of the Savior who came to bring everlasting life in and through Jesus Christ. They also remind us of the cross where He suffered and died, that He might bring us life. Wreaths that deck our doors and walls are reminiscent of the crowns of laurel worn by victors in ancient battles. They also are in the shape of the circle – a figure with no beginning and no end. Lights remind us of the star that shone over Bethlehem, leading the poor shepherds and the weary wise men to the humble manger where Jesus, the Messiah, was laid. They also remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world, and that His light can never remain dim or hidden. The gold used at Christmas time reminds us of the gold that was brought to Jesus as His first kingly birthday gift, and the many sweet scents of Christmas remind us of the frankincense that was brought to Him as a symbol of His priesthood. The reds of Christmas remind us of the shed blood of Jesus, given freely to redeem us from our sin and degradation. The downcast and downtrodden at Christmas time remind us that there are still many who have not trusted the Savior, who do not share the joy of the season because they have never met Emmanuel, God with us.
This Christmas, 2008, is a very special Christmas. It is, more than ever, a year in which we are to look to the cares, hopes, dreams, needs, and wants of our fellow sojourners on this planet. In 2008 we beheld many tragic events unfold around the world – human rights abuses in nation upon nation, warfare without end, destruction of thousands of homes belonging to Christians in India and elsewhere, terror which has robbed many of much-desired peace, job losses that have tested the hopes and dreams of many families, dire economic news, and so on – because of all of this we need to reach out a hand to help him or her whom the Lord places in our path or in our hearts. This is destined to be a year when God opens the storehouses of heaven and pours out his blessings if His children do their part. All is not lost. God still is upon the throne of the Universe, deeply caring for each of His children and longing for us all to be willing servants, sharing His love with those who are in need around us. We need to be bearers of the tidings of great joy, “which shall be to all people.” We are called to be light to the darkness all around us. That is our calling, our destiny, and our joy.
2008 has been a year of tremendous contrasts and contradictions, containing joys and sorrows, and even joy despite sorrows. It has been a year of Amen and Amen.
Janice and Jeremy have settled well into their lovely home in Jamaica Plain, MA, where they love to run, walk, explore, and play with Micah (who recently turned 3!!!) and Simeon (who is now almost 1½ !!!) We spend as much time as we can with them, so that the grandchildren will know their Gramps and Grams very well. In January we went out to their place so that we could attend Simeon’s baptism service. It was a great blessing for us, and a great photo op as well. In May Jeremy finished his law degree from Boston University. May also led Laureen and me to Vermont to the home of our good friend, Warren and Linda Ayer, so that we could help watch the little ones while Janice and Jeremy split the running of the Burlington Marathon. It was great fun spending that time with them, visiting Warren and Linda, and watching the little ones interact with their newfound adult friends. Who knew that a tortilla chip could make such a good spoon for feeding little Simeon his baby food? (Apparently Warren did.)
Brown and I also took some good grandparent trips to Boston over the summer. During one of them a good friend of Janice and Jeremy’s was killed in the line of duty as a police officer in Fort Myers, Florida, so I watched Micah while her parents attended the funeral. (Police officer Andy Widmann wanted the world to know Christ and once had desired to be a missionary in Myanmar. Over two thousand police officers from around the nation attended his funeral, where the gospel was clearly presented by several individuals.)
Jeremy has settled into his job with a downtown firm, has taken the bar and passed, and is now a member of the Bar Association of Massachusetts. Janice has happily reduced her workload to (usually) one day a week. She loves spending more time being the mama of their sweet children. In July we celebrated Simeon’s birthday here in Union Center, with lots of adoring family members, in October we celebrated Micah’s birthday here with her “cousins” (Bernard, Elisha, Susanna, Shelley, Sharon, and Hosanna), and we are looking forward to Christmas celebrations with them. Micah has already made a date with her Grams to go to the beach together next summer. She and Simeon recently had their first lesson in rock climbing, and have already enjoyed hiking, camping, and canoeing.
Sunita and Andy are doing well in Washington, DC. Sunita continues to work and travel for World Vision, and her travels took both of them to Lisbon, Portugal for a few days. Sunita instantly loved the bright, sun-drenched city. Sunita also made multiple trips to various parts of Africa in 2008. Such trips are exhausting, but she loves the places and the people wherever she goes. Sunita and Andy flew to India to join Brown there this summer, and they also have joined us several times here in Union Center this year, most recently over Thanksgiving week. It is always a joy to have Sunita and Andy with us. They also joined us for a week in North Conway, New Hampshire, where we all got together for hiking, games, sight-seeing in the beautiful Presidential Range, and lots and lots of eating. We introduced Andy to frozen M&M’s during our nighttime rounds of card games.
Brown and I visited Sunita and Andy during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Along with Laureen, we all walked around the Tidal Basin, visiting the FDR Memorial for the first time. The cherry trees were in full bloom, as were many magnolias, and it was magnificent. I took a solo trip down to DC in the summer, and visited the National Zoo with Sunita. The two of us walked back to her place in ninety-plus degree heat, traversing through Rock Creek Park. Recently Sunita and Andy treated the two of us to a wonderful performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at the National Cathedral. The musicians were amazing with clear, pure tones and the cathedral was such a beautiful setting.
Recently, Sunita and Andy have started looking at houses, hoping to be able to find a place of their own. We had the privilege of going with them to preview a couple of places, and are glad to give some input. One of their favorite out-of-town retreats is in the Shenandoah Mountains and another is the quietly reverent of a Franciscan monastery that in town. They also love spending “free time” at soccer games – Andy playing goalie and Sunita being the faithful soccer wife.
Toward the end of July I flew down to DC (the same trip that took Sunita and me to the National Zoo) to help Laureen with her move up from Virginia. After getting Andy, Sunita, and some of Laureen’s friends to help pack the U-Haul, we learned the fine art of “kicking it to the curb”. The next day I donned my best truck driver attitude and drove the U-Haul van from Falls Church, Virginia to New York State. It was quite a daunting experience. Laureen left the charming colonial brick house in Falls Church, Virginia, which was her home for over two years, and began a new adventure nearer to our home. After joining the rest of the family on vacation in New Hampshire, she took a job at Lourdes Hospital, where she meets and greets new babies and their mamas, and tends Level 2 Nursery patients. In October, the Lord blessed Laureen with a new home –half a house (plus) - located just one block away from Lourdes. She had prayed for a two bedroom apartment with washer and dryer, and had her prayers answered exceedingly above what she could ask or think. It is great to have her nearby, and it is good to know that on wintry days she can walk to work. She has recently been reconnecting with some of the friends she has known since high school and college. She loves to entertain, and she and Jovita even entertained the young cousins by having the girls for a sleepover at her home.
Laureen is having a great time getting ready for Christmas. She and a college friend, Julia, went with us into the wild hills to hunt down a Christmas tree for the parsonage. We returned with a beautiful balsam fir, cold feet, chilly noses, and light hearts. There is still something about a wagon ride out into the fields of firs that still brings out the kid in us. Laureen has been preparing her own home with swags and candles on the mantle, lights, trees, and festive decorations. She has planned for a Christmas Open House, for which she has been making preparations for weeks now.
Jessica is still living and working in Philadelphia – for over two years now. She shares an apartment with her cousin, Jovita, who is also working in Philly. Jessica has been home several times this year, sometimes with Tom and sometimes coming up with Jovita. She helped us celebrate birthdays – Simeon’s and her dad’s. When she and Tom came up this summer, both made fast friendships with Micah and Simeon. She and Tom also traveled up to New Hampshire to be a part of the fun there. She is quite a drill sergeant on the hiking trail, I hear.
We really miss Jessy’s quick wit and good humor, but she is doing well as a city girl. She was excited that the home team won the World Series this year, and though she didn’t get to see a Series game, she was able to see part of the parade given in honor of the World Series Champions. She was also able to go to a Duke basketball game last winter when the Blue Devils came to town – Tom’s Christmas present to her last year. Jess still calls and chats, and loves to wow her friends with her chocolate chip cookies or her eggnog.
It has been a good year for one and all. Brown was able to go to Boston, Washington, DC, and India this year. He has enjoyed telephone conversations with everyone, especially Micah, and has also loved the time that he spent with the grandchildren at various times during the year. How they grow and change, but their gramps loves every minute with them. All of us met in North Conway, New Hampshire this year for a one week getaway in the heart of the Presidential Range of mountains. There, we hiked to Lonesome Lake, drove through an Alpine Village and past Storybook Land, looked out over the land from Cathedral Ledge, played miniature golf, shopped, and drove a convoy of three cars up Mount Washington. We loved spending time relaxing with the whole family and playing with Micah and Simeon. We also loved that Janice and the children were here for the first week in September and for Micah’s birthday celebration in October. In October they visited the pumpkin farm, Apple Hills, and the Cider Mill, and swished through the autumn leaves.
This summer Brown spent over a month in India along with most of the Naik relatives who reside in the US. When it was time to come home the roads were barricaded, and their return was delayed for a week. How grateful I was when they were able to come back safely before full violence erupted in Orissa during August. This summer began some very stressful and dangerous times in Orissa. Brown’s brother, Potel, was arrested, and has been held without bond, bail, or trial since July. In August, his mother and Potel’s son and daughter fled to the jungle, where living among the snakes seemed safer than staying at home. One Sunday morning they awoke to see a mob entering their home to burn it down. Their house and belongings have been utterly destroyed, but they were able to escape to a neighboring village. Now the three are living in a city several hours away, but they are grateful to be alive. They were among many thousands of Christians to be burned out of their homes in recent months. Many have died in Orissa, but Christ still lives within the believers there.
One of the greatest highlights of the year for Brown was his 60th birthday party. Held more than a month late, it was well worth the wait. Sunita, Laureen, and Jessica were gracious hostesses, and they emceed and took photos, too. There was a tremendous outpouring of affection from the many friends who came. The party was a veritable feast of Indian food (and other foods, too). Anecdotes were shared, and enjoyed by all.
When Brown went to India in June I was still in school, finishing up my eighth year of teaching full-time in Marathon. When things wrapped up there, I departed for Boston for a time, traveled back home to set up for Simeon’s first birthday celebration, went back to Boston, flew to DC, drove to New York, went to New Hampshire for a week, and on it goes. Since September I have been teaching the new Integrated Geometry that is New York’s newest mandate for 10th grade students, and a return to the old way of teaching proof upon proof. Since the first day of school, the time has flown, and we are already planning and preparing for the celebration of our Lord’s birth. That brings us full circle, ready to close out the old year and begin anew.
In all things we are grateful. The Lord has given us home, family, and jobs. We weren’t planning to take an early retirement, so the present economy is less of a setback to us than if we had done so. Our daughters and their loved ones are well. We find a hearty welcome awaiting us in Boston, Washington, and Philadelphia any time we are able to go. Our family in India is still safe, at least for now, though the situation could worsen again. God is still in control, and we must trust him in all circumstances.
Christmas is almost here – ready or not. Who could believe the forest that has sprung up in and around the parsonage? There are trees in almost every room, except bathrooms and the study, and the balsam in the dining room smells amazing. No scent from an aerosol can is able to compare to the real thing. We are almost ready for Christmas, with last minute gifts to buy and wrap and some special cooking and baking to do. We are ready for Christmas joy to break upon us, like sunrise on a new morning.
Recently Brown and I were traveling early in the morning. We traveled for over an hour before the slightest hint of light began to seep into the morning sky. It grew imperceptibly, gradually smudging a grey hue into the sky that had been almost black. The sooty grey was soon blended with traces of rose, gold, and then blue. Day finally broke upon us with a wide band of rosy, golden light, suddenly shooting out of the Eastern sky. I don’t think that the coming of Christ was quite like that. I believe that the Jewish people were living lives of quiet desperation, knowing intense darkness in every corner of their lives. It was so much darker than ever before; when Christ came to bring His light and enlightenment to the people it was like having a spotlight shine into their eyes in the middle of the blackest night. They were so used to groping around in the darkness that they could not welcome the Light of the world. “And the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” They could not understand Jesus, and were not sure that they wanted to.
Do we want to know the Light of the world? Do we want to expose every area of our lives to the light of Jesus, every sin, every lie, and every wayward thought? Yes! Expose it and then remove it. O come to us, Emmanuel. O come to us, Prince of peace. Let your peace pervade every part of our lives. Let your grace shine through us to the world around us.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Brown and Alice
Merry Christmas,
It's beginning to look, feel, sound, and smell a lot like Christmas everywhere. We are excited and thrilled that we can celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior one more time. Praise the Lord for the way our Lord and God, surrounded by majesty and glory, came down to a world filled with the mundane. He invaded the world at the beachhead of Bethlehem and brought His glory to the mangers of life, which are often filled with cow dung. He transformed it into His dwelling place and Holy habitation. May He come into our hearts and into our hearths pervading us with His Truth and Grace. May the Lord fill you and yours with His everlasting Joy.
We are excited to have all our family coming to be together here this week. Sunita and Andy are coming this evening. Jessica is coming this evening, too. Her boyfriend, Tom, also will be joining us. Janice and Jeremy, who are planning to celebrate Christmas Day at their home in Massachusetts, are planning to be here with us the day after Christmas. Micah and Simeon are coming too, of course, to celebrate Christmas here with us.
We are excited about the Christmas Eve Services, at 7 PM and 10:30 PM. Those who live around here, please join us.
My wife has turned the parsonage into a Christmas house. She has placed over 30 lighted trees in and around the house, and there are a variety of small trees as well.
I am enclosing herewith a copy of our annual Christmas letter, a gift of love from us to you. My wife composes the Christmas letter each year, lovingly, reflectively, and carefully. I call it her "Christmas epistle".
Thank you for your beautiful cards and letters. Also, special thanks to those who have sent gifts to be sent to Orissa. Our Christian friends there will be glad to know that their brothers and sisters in the United States are standing with them.
May Jesus, the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, return to you His rich blessings a hundred-fold, sixty-fold, thirty-fold.
Christmas, 2008
Gigantic clusters of feathery flakes floating down in the dark sky. . frosty air forming miniature clouds with each breath. . . children sliding, making snow angels, or building forts. . . churches warmly aglow with candlelight and carols. . . mugs of frothy hot chocolate and platters of gingerbread, snowballs, and spritz. . . lights, trees, swags, and brightly colored packages artistically placed around the house. . . Currier and Ives paintings on glittery Christmas cards. . . dolls and teddy bears nestled in the tree, with stockings scattered around. . . friends, family, and fun all around. . . daddies proudly bearing mountains of gifts out to the living room after the wee ones have been securely tucked into bed. . .
These are but a few of the imprinted memories that are the hallmark of this time of year. The green, red, and gold of gifts and decorations, bathed in a glow from lights and candles, make every hearth and home seem even more warm and welcoming at this time of year. Isn’t it wonderful how we associate our Christmases with some of favorite memories of times past? It seems that each year we want Christmas present to live up to the Paul Bunyon-sized Christmases that live in our hearts and minds. We want to give the best, have the best, love the best, create the best memories ever. That is a tall order.
The evergreen trees at Christmas time point to the sky, reminding us of the Savior who came to bring everlasting life in and through Jesus Christ. They also remind us of the cross where He suffered and died, that He might bring us life. Wreaths that deck our doors and walls are reminiscent of the crowns of laurel worn by victors in ancient battles. They also are in the shape of the circle – a figure with no beginning and no end. Lights remind us of the star that shone over Bethlehem, leading the poor shepherds and the weary wise men to the humble manger where Jesus, the Messiah, was laid. They also remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world, and that His light can never remain dim or hidden. The gold used at Christmas time reminds us of the gold that was brought to Jesus as His first kingly birthday gift, and the many sweet scents of Christmas remind us of the frankincense that was brought to Him as a symbol of His priesthood. The reds of Christmas remind us of the shed blood of Jesus, given freely to redeem us from our sin and degradation. The downcast and downtrodden at Christmas time remind us that there are still many who have not trusted the Savior, who do not share the joy of the season because they have never met Emmanuel, God with us.
This Christmas, 2008, is a very special Christmas. It is, more than ever, a year in which we are to look to the cares, hopes, dreams, needs, and wants of our fellow sojourners on this planet. In 2008 we beheld many tragic events unfold around the world – human rights abuses in nation upon nation, warfare without end, destruction of thousands of homes belonging to Christians in India and elsewhere, terror which has robbed many of much-desired peace, job losses that have tested the hopes and dreams of many families, dire economic news, and so on – because of all of this we need to reach out a hand to help him or her whom the Lord places in our path or in our hearts. This is destined to be a year when God opens the storehouses of heaven and pours out his blessings if His children do their part. All is not lost. God still is upon the throne of the Universe, deeply caring for each of His children and longing for us all to be willing servants, sharing His love with those who are in need around us. We need to be bearers of the tidings of great joy, “which shall be to all people.” We are called to be light to the darkness all around us. That is our calling, our destiny, and our joy.
2008 has been a year of tremendous contrasts and contradictions, containing joys and sorrows, and even joy despite sorrows. It has been a year of Amen and Amen.
Janice and Jeremy have settled well into their lovely home in Jamaica Plain, MA, where they love to run, walk, explore, and play with Micah (who recently turned 3!!!) and Simeon (who is now almost 1½ !!!) We spend as much time as we can with them, so that the grandchildren will know their Gramps and Grams very well. In January we went out to their place so that we could attend Simeon’s baptism service. It was a great blessing for us, and a great photo op as well. In May Jeremy finished his law degree from Boston University. May also led Laureen and me to Vermont to the home of our good friend, Warren and Linda Ayer, so that we could help watch the little ones while Janice and Jeremy split the running of the Burlington Marathon. It was great fun spending that time with them, visiting Warren and Linda, and watching the little ones interact with their newfound adult friends. Who knew that a tortilla chip could make such a good spoon for feeding little Simeon his baby food? (Apparently Warren did.)
Brown and I also took some good grandparent trips to Boston over the summer. During one of them a good friend of Janice and Jeremy’s was killed in the line of duty as a police officer in Fort Myers, Florida, so I watched Micah while her parents attended the funeral. (Police officer Andy Widmann wanted the world to know Christ and once had desired to be a missionary in Myanmar. Over two thousand police officers from around the nation attended his funeral, where the gospel was clearly presented by several individuals.)
Jeremy has settled into his job with a downtown firm, has taken the bar and passed, and is now a member of the Bar Association of Massachusetts. Janice has happily reduced her workload to (usually) one day a week. She loves spending more time being the mama of their sweet children. In July we celebrated Simeon’s birthday here in Union Center, with lots of adoring family members, in October we celebrated Micah’s birthday here with her “cousins” (Bernard, Elisha, Susanna, Shelley, Sharon, and Hosanna), and we are looking forward to Christmas celebrations with them. Micah has already made a date with her Grams to go to the beach together next summer. She and Simeon recently had their first lesson in rock climbing, and have already enjoyed hiking, camping, and canoeing.
Sunita and Andy are doing well in Washington, DC. Sunita continues to work and travel for World Vision, and her travels took both of them to Lisbon, Portugal for a few days. Sunita instantly loved the bright, sun-drenched city. Sunita also made multiple trips to various parts of Africa in 2008. Such trips are exhausting, but she loves the places and the people wherever she goes. Sunita and Andy flew to India to join Brown there this summer, and they also have joined us several times here in Union Center this year, most recently over Thanksgiving week. It is always a joy to have Sunita and Andy with us. They also joined us for a week in North Conway, New Hampshire, where we all got together for hiking, games, sight-seeing in the beautiful Presidential Range, and lots and lots of eating. We introduced Andy to frozen M&M’s during our nighttime rounds of card games.
Brown and I visited Sunita and Andy during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Along with Laureen, we all walked around the Tidal Basin, visiting the FDR Memorial for the first time. The cherry trees were in full bloom, as were many magnolias, and it was magnificent. I took a solo trip down to DC in the summer, and visited the National Zoo with Sunita. The two of us walked back to her place in ninety-plus degree heat, traversing through Rock Creek Park. Recently Sunita and Andy treated the two of us to a wonderful performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at the National Cathedral. The musicians were amazing with clear, pure tones and the cathedral was such a beautiful setting.
Recently, Sunita and Andy have started looking at houses, hoping to be able to find a place of their own. We had the privilege of going with them to preview a couple of places, and are glad to give some input. One of their favorite out-of-town retreats is in the Shenandoah Mountains and another is the quietly reverent of a Franciscan monastery that in town. They also love spending “free time” at soccer games – Andy playing goalie and Sunita being the faithful soccer wife.
Toward the end of July I flew down to DC (the same trip that took Sunita and me to the National Zoo) to help Laureen with her move up from Virginia. After getting Andy, Sunita, and some of Laureen’s friends to help pack the U-Haul, we learned the fine art of “kicking it to the curb”. The next day I donned my best truck driver attitude and drove the U-Haul van from Falls Church, Virginia to New York State. It was quite a daunting experience. Laureen left the charming colonial brick house in Falls Church, Virginia, which was her home for over two years, and began a new adventure nearer to our home. After joining the rest of the family on vacation in New Hampshire, she took a job at Lourdes Hospital, where she meets and greets new babies and their mamas, and tends Level 2 Nursery patients. In October, the Lord blessed Laureen with a new home –half a house (plus) - located just one block away from Lourdes. She had prayed for a two bedroom apartment with washer and dryer, and had her prayers answered exceedingly above what she could ask or think. It is great to have her nearby, and it is good to know that on wintry days she can walk to work. She has recently been reconnecting with some of the friends she has known since high school and college. She loves to entertain, and she and Jovita even entertained the young cousins by having the girls for a sleepover at her home.
Laureen is having a great time getting ready for Christmas. She and a college friend, Julia, went with us into the wild hills to hunt down a Christmas tree for the parsonage. We returned with a beautiful balsam fir, cold feet, chilly noses, and light hearts. There is still something about a wagon ride out into the fields of firs that still brings out the kid in us. Laureen has been preparing her own home with swags and candles on the mantle, lights, trees, and festive decorations. She has planned for a Christmas Open House, for which she has been making preparations for weeks now.
Jessica is still living and working in Philadelphia – for over two years now. She shares an apartment with her cousin, Jovita, who is also working in Philly. Jessica has been home several times this year, sometimes with Tom and sometimes coming up with Jovita. She helped us celebrate birthdays – Simeon’s and her dad’s. When she and Tom came up this summer, both made fast friendships with Micah and Simeon. She and Tom also traveled up to New Hampshire to be a part of the fun there. She is quite a drill sergeant on the hiking trail, I hear.
We really miss Jessy’s quick wit and good humor, but she is doing well as a city girl. She was excited that the home team won the World Series this year, and though she didn’t get to see a Series game, she was able to see part of the parade given in honor of the World Series Champions. She was also able to go to a Duke basketball game last winter when the Blue Devils came to town – Tom’s Christmas present to her last year. Jess still calls and chats, and loves to wow her friends with her chocolate chip cookies or her eggnog.
It has been a good year for one and all. Brown was able to go to Boston, Washington, DC, and India this year. He has enjoyed telephone conversations with everyone, especially Micah, and has also loved the time that he spent with the grandchildren at various times during the year. How they grow and change, but their gramps loves every minute with them. All of us met in North Conway, New Hampshire this year for a one week getaway in the heart of the Presidential Range of mountains. There, we hiked to Lonesome Lake, drove through an Alpine Village and past Storybook Land, looked out over the land from Cathedral Ledge, played miniature golf, shopped, and drove a convoy of three cars up Mount Washington. We loved spending time relaxing with the whole family and playing with Micah and Simeon. We also loved that Janice and the children were here for the first week in September and for Micah’s birthday celebration in October. In October they visited the pumpkin farm, Apple Hills, and the Cider Mill, and swished through the autumn leaves.
This summer Brown spent over a month in India along with most of the Naik relatives who reside in the US. When it was time to come home the roads were barricaded, and their return was delayed for a week. How grateful I was when they were able to come back safely before full violence erupted in Orissa during August. This summer began some very stressful and dangerous times in Orissa. Brown’s brother, Potel, was arrested, and has been held without bond, bail, or trial since July. In August, his mother and Potel’s son and daughter fled to the jungle, where living among the snakes seemed safer than staying at home. One Sunday morning they awoke to see a mob entering their home to burn it down. Their house and belongings have been utterly destroyed, but they were able to escape to a neighboring village. Now the three are living in a city several hours away, but they are grateful to be alive. They were among many thousands of Christians to be burned out of their homes in recent months. Many have died in Orissa, but Christ still lives within the believers there.
One of the greatest highlights of the year for Brown was his 60th birthday party. Held more than a month late, it was well worth the wait. Sunita, Laureen, and Jessica were gracious hostesses, and they emceed and took photos, too. There was a tremendous outpouring of affection from the many friends who came. The party was a veritable feast of Indian food (and other foods, too). Anecdotes were shared, and enjoyed by all.
When Brown went to India in June I was still in school, finishing up my eighth year of teaching full-time in Marathon. When things wrapped up there, I departed for Boston for a time, traveled back home to set up for Simeon’s first birthday celebration, went back to Boston, flew to DC, drove to New York, went to New Hampshire for a week, and on it goes. Since September I have been teaching the new Integrated Geometry that is New York’s newest mandate for 10th grade students, and a return to the old way of teaching proof upon proof. Since the first day of school, the time has flown, and we are already planning and preparing for the celebration of our Lord’s birth. That brings us full circle, ready to close out the old year and begin anew.
In all things we are grateful. The Lord has given us home, family, and jobs. We weren’t planning to take an early retirement, so the present economy is less of a setback to us than if we had done so. Our daughters and their loved ones are well. We find a hearty welcome awaiting us in Boston, Washington, and Philadelphia any time we are able to go. Our family in India is still safe, at least for now, though the situation could worsen again. God is still in control, and we must trust him in all circumstances.
Christmas is almost here – ready or not. Who could believe the forest that has sprung up in and around the parsonage? There are trees in almost every room, except bathrooms and the study, and the balsam in the dining room smells amazing. No scent from an aerosol can is able to compare to the real thing. We are almost ready for Christmas, with last minute gifts to buy and wrap and some special cooking and baking to do. We are ready for Christmas joy to break upon us, like sunrise on a new morning.
Recently Brown and I were traveling early in the morning. We traveled for over an hour before the slightest hint of light began to seep into the morning sky. It grew imperceptibly, gradually smudging a grey hue into the sky that had been almost black. The sooty grey was soon blended with traces of rose, gold, and then blue. Day finally broke upon us with a wide band of rosy, golden light, suddenly shooting out of the Eastern sky. I don’t think that the coming of Christ was quite like that. I believe that the Jewish people were living lives of quiet desperation, knowing intense darkness in every corner of their lives. It was so much darker than ever before; when Christ came to bring His light and enlightenment to the people it was like having a spotlight shine into their eyes in the middle of the blackest night. They were so used to groping around in the darkness that they could not welcome the Light of the world. “And the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” They could not understand Jesus, and were not sure that they wanted to.
Do we want to know the Light of the world? Do we want to expose every area of our lives to the light of Jesus, every sin, every lie, and every wayward thought? Yes! Expose it and then remove it. O come to us, Emmanuel. O come to us, Prince of peace. Let your peace pervade every part of our lives. Let your grace shine through us to the world around us.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Brown and Alice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWn7HHI-
Monday, December 22, 2008
Brown's Daily Word & India update12-22-08
Good morning,
Praise the Lord for winter season which has officially began. One good thing about this is that the days will getting longer from today on. It was a blustery weekend here in New York. The performance of Messiah was canceled on Friday, but we were able to have our Living Nativity on Saturday. It was brilliant and beautiful. The Lord blessed us with a wonderful day of worship yesterday in His House. Our Choir presented the Christmas Cantata during both morning worship services. The Cantata was anointed and powerful. Our Choir director, Aric Phinney, worked wonderfully with the choir. The choir consisted of many gifted and talented singers. Praise the Lord for the songs of the season that honor the Savior whose birth we celebrate.
One of the readings for yesterday was the Magnificat found in Luke 1. This is the song of Mary about her Savior and Lord. Mary truly was a special person. She loved the Lord for he had done great things for her. She understood that she did not deserve this special privilege of being the mother of the Messiah, for she said, “he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant” (Luke 1:48). She was a special person, who had been faithful in her obedience and love for God, but still she needed a Savior. Shortly before her death in 1988, Marghanita Laski, a well-known writer, was amazingly candid in a television interview. She was a secular humanist, which means that she denied the need for, and the existence of, God. However, in this moving moment of truth before the world, she said, “What I envy most about you Christians is your forgiveness, I have nobody to forgive me.” How wonderful that we have someone to forgive us — that our hearts can be washed clean. We have forgiveness because we have a God who came to the world to save us. Somebody once said “Mary was the first person in the world to carry the Gospel.” What an enormous privilege was hers. She understood this privilege and worshiped God because of it. She said, “From now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). Here is the irony: she who needed a savior gave birth to the Savior. Mary gave birth to the One who created her. The Bible says of Christ, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3). This was more than enough reason for her to worship, but the second thing Mary sang was, "He has performed mighty deeds." The key word here is victory. The mighty deeds that God was doing would overcome the world and turn the world right-side-up. She sang about God scattering the proud. She said that he brought down rulers from their thrones and lifted up the humble. He filled the hungry, but sent the rich away with empty stomachs. In other words, God turned the tables on the world. Those who were proud and arrogant, having power in this world to oppress others, would be scattered by God. Those who ruled with injustice would be pulled down from their thrones, and the humble servants would be put in their place. Those who used their wealth to oppress the poor would live in spiritual hunger, while those who were the poor of this world would be filled with all the good things of God. All of this would take place because of what Jesus would do. During his ministry he said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh” (Luke 6:20-21). He would reverse the fortunes of the proud and humble, the rich and poor, the strong and weak. He was the Savior who would right the wrongs of the world and would give those who were downtrodden great reason to rejoice. What this means is that Jesus came for everyone, regardless of their status in the world. The humble are valued by God, and even the arrogant can humble themselves and become right with God. The oppressed find mercy and help. The oppressors can stop their oppression, and find grace. Those who are weak can be strong in God. The strong can admit their weakness apart from God, and find true strength. The first thing we must do, however is to come to God on his terms rather than ours. We must humble ourselves. We must admit our weakness. We must turn from our sin. Then we must turn to God for his strength, his wealth, and his wholeness. Dallas Willard tells about the military fighter pilot who was performing high-speed maneuvers. The pilot thrust the controls for a steep upward climb, only to crash into the ground. Somehow the pilot had lost his horizon, and was unaware that the plane had been flying upside down. It is a parable of the world today. While we live at breakneck speed, we don’t even realize that we are living upside down. People are crashing and can’t seem to figure out why. Many are not sure if there is even such a thing as right-side-up. They believe that all roads lead to the same place, and that as long as you believe in God and practice some form of religion, we all get to heaven eventually. Can’t I love God and still live in any way that I want? The answer is no. We cannot live outside of God’s will and expect to receive God’s blessing. We will be flying upside down and eventually crash.
Jesus Christ said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He came to turn us right-side-up and enable us to overcome this world if only we are willing to let him have control of our lives. He is victorious over life, for he has said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Someone recently told me that a college had contest to see who could get the most food for the poor with a set amount of money. Several went to Aldi’s, Sam’s club, or an Amish bulk food store. There were green beans and squash galore; dried food and bulk staples. But one person took the money and bought Starbuck’s coffee, brownies and other delicacies. That person loaded up on good things that people love to eat. This is how God gives: extravagantly and lavishly. He fills the hungry with good things. The Bible says, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Our response should be patterned after Mary’s response. “Lord, here is my life. I will do whatever you want me to do. I will go wherever you want me to go. Make me your servant.”
Go and do likewise.
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAyplzXmjVE
Praise the Lord for winter season which has officially began. One good thing about this is that the days will getting longer from today on. It was a blustery weekend here in New York. The performance of Messiah was canceled on Friday, but we were able to have our Living Nativity on Saturday. It was brilliant and beautiful. The Lord blessed us with a wonderful day of worship yesterday in His House. Our Choir presented the Christmas Cantata during both morning worship services. The Cantata was anointed and powerful. Our Choir director, Aric Phinney, worked wonderfully with the choir. The choir consisted of many gifted and talented singers. Praise the Lord for the songs of the season that honor the Savior whose birth we celebrate.
One of the readings for yesterday was the Magnificat found in Luke 1. This is the song of Mary about her Savior and Lord. Mary truly was a special person. She loved the Lord for he had done great things for her. She understood that she did not deserve this special privilege of being the mother of the Messiah, for she said, “he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant” (Luke 1:48). She was a special person, who had been faithful in her obedience and love for God, but still she needed a Savior. Shortly before her death in 1988, Marghanita Laski, a well-known writer, was amazingly candid in a television interview. She was a secular humanist, which means that she denied the need for, and the existence of, God. However, in this moving moment of truth before the world, she said, “What I envy most about you Christians is your forgiveness, I have nobody to forgive me.” How wonderful that we have someone to forgive us — that our hearts can be washed clean. We have forgiveness because we have a God who came to the world to save us. Somebody once said “Mary was the first person in the world to carry the Gospel.” What an enormous privilege was hers. She understood this privilege and worshiped God because of it. She said, “From now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). Here is the irony: she who needed a savior gave birth to the Savior. Mary gave birth to the One who created her. The Bible says of Christ, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3). This was more than enough reason for her to worship, but the second thing Mary sang was, "He has performed mighty deeds." The key word here is victory. The mighty deeds that God was doing would overcome the world and turn the world right-side-up. She sang about God scattering the proud. She said that he brought down rulers from their thrones and lifted up the humble. He filled the hungry, but sent the rich away with empty stomachs. In other words, God turned the tables on the world. Those who were proud and arrogant, having power in this world to oppress others, would be scattered by God. Those who ruled with injustice would be pulled down from their thrones, and the humble servants would be put in their place. Those who used their wealth to oppress the poor would live in spiritual hunger, while those who were the poor of this world would be filled with all the good things of God. All of this would take place because of what Jesus would do. During his ministry he said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh” (Luke 6:20-21). He would reverse the fortunes of the proud and humble, the rich and poor, the strong and weak. He was the Savior who would right the wrongs of the world and would give those who were downtrodden great reason to rejoice. What this means is that Jesus came for everyone, regardless of their status in the world. The humble are valued by God, and even the arrogant can humble themselves and become right with God. The oppressed find mercy and help. The oppressors can stop their oppression, and find grace. Those who are weak can be strong in God. The strong can admit their weakness apart from God, and find true strength. The first thing we must do, however is to come to God on his terms rather than ours. We must humble ourselves. We must admit our weakness. We must turn from our sin. Then we must turn to God for his strength, his wealth, and his wholeness. Dallas Willard tells about the military fighter pilot who was performing high-speed maneuvers. The pilot thrust the controls for a steep upward climb, only to crash into the ground. Somehow the pilot had lost his horizon, and was unaware that the plane had been flying upside down. It is a parable of the world today. While we live at breakneck speed, we don’t even realize that we are living upside down. People are crashing and can’t seem to figure out why. Many are not sure if there is even such a thing as right-side-up. They believe that all roads lead to the same place, and that as long as you believe in God and practice some form of religion, we all get to heaven eventually. Can’t I love God and still live in any way that I want? The answer is no. We cannot live outside of God’s will and expect to receive God’s blessing. We will be flying upside down and eventually crash.
Jesus Christ said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He came to turn us right-side-up and enable us to overcome this world if only we are willing to let him have control of our lives. He is victorious over life, for he has said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Someone recently told me that a college had contest to see who could get the most food for the poor with a set amount of money. Several went to Aldi’s, Sam’s club, or an Amish bulk food store. There were green beans and squash galore; dried food and bulk staples. But one person took the money and bought Starbuck’s coffee, brownies and other delicacies. That person loaded up on good things that people love to eat. This is how God gives: extravagantly and lavishly. He fills the hungry with good things. The Bible says, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Our response should be patterned after Mary’s response. “Lord, here is my life. I will do whatever you want me to do. I will go wherever you want me to go. Make me your servant.”
Go and do likewise.
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAyplzXmjVE
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