Post by foxjj on Dec 16, 2021 6:45:43 GMT
As Christmas Draws Near.
As Christmas draws near, Rick makes his way downtown. He knows well that the city has two very different faces. To the world it presents its affluent image with its towering office blocks and inviting malls offering expensive stores and restaurants, where customers are enticed to spend their time and money. At this season, Christmas lights are shining in the downtown section and malls are busy with shoppers spending freely as Christmas music entices each customer to buy gifts for family and friends. The parkings lots are full, creating frustration for drivers as they circle in an effort to find an empty stall.
However, there is another face of the city that Rick knows all too well, a face to which visitors are not enticed with flashy advertisements. This is the dark side of our modern society where broken lives dwell. Alcohol and drugs are king in this shady part of town where conditions are bleak with so many living, sleeping - and dying - in the dirty streets. Dangerous addictive street drugs, are taking more lives than covid. People driving through these streets may look at the residents and think, here are people without hope.
Gratefully, Rick knows personally that even in such sad streets there is hope. He will be ever grateful for the volunteers who enter into the midst of the despair represented in these streets. They offer comfort with acts of kindness, handing out warm clothing and clean needles. For Rick, the harbor of hope was The Mission on Main Street with its warm beds and hot meals. As the meals are served they are accompanied with inspiring songs and a Gospel message. Tonight Pastor Ross is speaking:
“As Christmas draws near I wish to remind you that, although The Christ Child was The Son of God, He was not born into a palace grand. On the contrary, His nation was occupied by Rome and His parents were unable to find a room for His mother to give birth. Consequently, Jesus was born in a stable. While still an infant the family of Jesus became refugees because King Herod felt threatened by His birth, and desired to take His life. Throughout life Jesus did not own a home, instead He traveled speaking God’s truth and healed many. While on earth, Jesus was - and still is - a friend of the common people seeing their daily struggles. Although His life ended with a cruel death, Jesus rose from the grave offering New Life and Redemption, to all who accept Him as their Lord and Savior.
“Because of His personal experience’s, Jesus understands the struggles of life. As Savior, He offers you hope - no matter your status in life. For it was Jesus who said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The people here at The Mission, welcome all from the cold streets as they proclaim Jesus' promise of hope and healing because, they have experienced His Love and healing in their lives. He is the One you can turn to when in need of shelter from the cold streets of life. 1 John 4:9-10 proclaims the love of our Heavenly Father where it states: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” I want to encourage you to consider the offer of Forgiveness and Redemption that Jesus has obtained on our behalf. In closing, please remember that I am always available to speak with anyone who would like to hear more. May The Lord bless and keep each one. Amen.”
Rick knows from personal experience that, although the world may write-of people who are marginalized, Jesus offers New Life. He first came to The Mission as one with deep needs, now he comes to help meet the needs of others.
Today, let us give thanks for Jesus offer of hope.
John Joseph Fox.
As Christmas draws near, Rick makes his way downtown. He knows well that the city has two very different faces. To the world it presents its affluent image with its towering office blocks and inviting malls offering expensive stores and restaurants, where customers are enticed to spend their time and money. At this season, Christmas lights are shining in the downtown section and malls are busy with shoppers spending freely as Christmas music entices each customer to buy gifts for family and friends. The parkings lots are full, creating frustration for drivers as they circle in an effort to find an empty stall.
However, there is another face of the city that Rick knows all too well, a face to which visitors are not enticed with flashy advertisements. This is the dark side of our modern society where broken lives dwell. Alcohol and drugs are king in this shady part of town where conditions are bleak with so many living, sleeping - and dying - in the dirty streets. Dangerous addictive street drugs, are taking more lives than covid. People driving through these streets may look at the residents and think, here are people without hope.
Gratefully, Rick knows personally that even in such sad streets there is hope. He will be ever grateful for the volunteers who enter into the midst of the despair represented in these streets. They offer comfort with acts of kindness, handing out warm clothing and clean needles. For Rick, the harbor of hope was The Mission on Main Street with its warm beds and hot meals. As the meals are served they are accompanied with inspiring songs and a Gospel message. Tonight Pastor Ross is speaking:
“As Christmas draws near I wish to remind you that, although The Christ Child was The Son of God, He was not born into a palace grand. On the contrary, His nation was occupied by Rome and His parents were unable to find a room for His mother to give birth. Consequently, Jesus was born in a stable. While still an infant the family of Jesus became refugees because King Herod felt threatened by His birth, and desired to take His life. Throughout life Jesus did not own a home, instead He traveled speaking God’s truth and healed many. While on earth, Jesus was - and still is - a friend of the common people seeing their daily struggles. Although His life ended with a cruel death, Jesus rose from the grave offering New Life and Redemption, to all who accept Him as their Lord and Savior.
“Because of His personal experience’s, Jesus understands the struggles of life. As Savior, He offers you hope - no matter your status in life. For it was Jesus who said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The people here at The Mission, welcome all from the cold streets as they proclaim Jesus' promise of hope and healing because, they have experienced His Love and healing in their lives. He is the One you can turn to when in need of shelter from the cold streets of life. 1 John 4:9-10 proclaims the love of our Heavenly Father where it states: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” I want to encourage you to consider the offer of Forgiveness and Redemption that Jesus has obtained on our behalf. In closing, please remember that I am always available to speak with anyone who would like to hear more. May The Lord bless and keep each one. Amen.”
Rick knows from personal experience that, although the world may write-of people who are marginalized, Jesus offers New Life. He first came to The Mission as one with deep needs, now he comes to help meet the needs of others.
Today, let us give thanks for Jesus offer of hope.
John Joseph Fox.
