Keep the Light Shining!
On Christmas eve, millions of believers took part in joyful celebrations, where the center candle of the Advent wreath was lit, remembering the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The light of the Christ Candle symbolizes the light Jesus brought into the world two millennia ago in Bethlehem, and continues to bring, even today. As Jesus shone His light into our lives, He has commanded us to let it shine into the lives of others. In Matthew chapter 5 (verses 14-16) He proclaimed, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” That is our challenge today. As we mark the passing of a dark and tumultuous year of unrest, disease, natural disasters and political chaos, it is our sacred duty to shine the light of Jesus into the year ahead. Let us bring His hope to all around us: hope for rest, hope for healing, hope for blessing and peace, hope for eternal life. Let us not look back except to remember the lessons learned; let us look forward, with our eyes fixed upon Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, in eager anticipation of His return, the second Advent (Hebrews 12:2; 1 Thess 4:16-18).
Pastor Glenn Austin and guitarist Hayden Rogers led the Aims Community Church Christmas Eve candlelight service (assisted by Nancy Austin on piano and Caroline Hiscox on guitar).
Keep the Celebration Going!
Caroline were pleased to celebrate Christmas Eve with our friends and family at Aims Community Church, led by Pastor Glenn Austin and his wife Nancy. Then we were encouraged this Sunday to visit with the congregation of Dodge Community Church, now meeting at Hillockburn Farms. Just a couple months after the devastating Riverside Fire destroyed their church building, the congregation remains a shining light in their community, reaching out to help neighbors who also suffered in their fire. Though they plan to rebuild eventually, the Dodge congregation is waiting on the Lord’s timing and provision, and is thankful for the many donations which have already come in for their building fund. One of the ways you can donate is through the Sunday School Fellowship, PO Box 2424, Estacada, OR 97023. Please include a note indicating your contribution is for the Dodge project.
Dodge Community Church now shines the Light from Hillockburn Farm, just one driveway away from where their church building burned this fall.
Keep Joining in Prayer and Fellowship!
Here are some upcoming opportunities from InFaith: Northwest Oregon:
· January 11, 10 AM NWxNW leaders’ fellowship Mayger-Downing Community Church, Clatskanie
· January 20, 9 AM Sandy Area Pastors’ Breakfast (Tentative) Tollgate Inn, Sandy - Depends on availability of dining facility.
· January 21, 10 AM Portland Area Pastor’s Prayer Woodland Park Chapel, Portland
May the light and love of Jesus which shines through you this week illumine the life of someone else and bring them even closer to their Savior.
Tom Hiscox, NW Oregon Area Missionary