I wasn't going to say anything but Vern's thread about Christmas stress really got me thinking. It is so true that Christmas can often bring out the worst in people---emotions, behaviour, digging up the past etc.
The reason I was going to stay quiet is because what I am going to say is not politically correct these days but I don't care!!!
I am celebrating. It has been one of the toughest years I can recall because of 1) a struggle internally in our church (I'm unhappy with the methods used to ask our youth pastor to step down), 2) the flood we had in the spring, 3) GM terminating the dealership agreement at the GM store I've worked at for over 24 years.
However, tonight I am celebrating. 25 years ago tonight, I went to church on Christmas Eve with one of my buddies. He and I had gone to church on Christmas Eve a number of years in a row. It had become tradition. Not that unusual but at that point in our life, it was the only time either of us ever went to church unless for a funeral or wedding. To make the story short, (impossible for me to do) I will put it plain and simple. I heard the Christmas story once again that night at church. However, this time it all made sense to me. God sent His Son in a way that is such a miracle, nobody but God could have dreamed it up. And to top it off, I suddenly realized that He did it because I was (and will always be) a sinner. I came out of church that night a completely changed man at age 27. Within a couple of weeks, I made a complete 180 in my life and I have never looked back.
I want to say that if any of you are feeling the way I did that night (I would describe it as "empty" or "searching") don't ignore that feeling, there is a reason for it.
As always, not intending to offend anyone or start an argument but felt compelled to tell you that tonight, I rejoice!!!
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
PTL Its never out of place, to share, what had happened in your life.. Many of us have found, and many are looking for Hope... This is what testimony is all about.. Thank you for the reminder.. Where I come from, your reflection, was nothing but the movement (message) of the Holy Spirit.... You have done well to handle, all that was thrown at you in 2009 May 2010 be a blessing C2
) I will put it plain and simple. I heard the Christmas story once again that night at church. However, this time it all made sense to me. God sent His Son in a way that is such a miracle, nobody but God could have dreamed it up. And to top it off, I suddenly realized that He did it because I was (and will always be) a sinner. I came out of church that night a completely changed man at age 27. Within a couple of weeks, I made a complete 180 in my life and I have never looked back.