M&T Updates: Merry Christmas

Let’s speak prettily to the Lord Owner Boss of the descendants of Israel….
“I have seen your salvation which you have prepared for all people.“

Merry Christmas!!

Teresa and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas as you celebrate the riches of all that our Great God has done for us!! How blessed we all are because of this marvelous Story that began in eternity past!!  A big hug for you all from us up here in the North land!!

Here is some of the Christmas Story from Luke 2 from the P. Bible:

     And at that time, there was one who lived there in Jerusalem.  His name was Simeon.  And this one, who lived in a straight (righteous) way, was continually thinking about the true God.  He lived continually thinking and waiting for the Savior whom God had chosen.  Yes, he was living waiting for that one who would help the descendants of Israel, the one who would give them salvation.  And upon this one who was waiting (Simeon) came the true Spirit.  And coming upon him, the Spirit caused him to think about the Savior that the Lord had chosen.  The true Spirit caused him to realize beforehand that he would see the Savior in person before he (Simeon) died.

Well on that particular day, the true Spirit led Simeon to the house of the true God (temple).  And then, when Joseph and Mary arrived to present their son in a setting apart prohibitively (sanctifying) sort of way, when they came to do according to what the hemming-in words (law) said, Simeon saw them.  And seeing them, he picked up little Jesus.  And thinking prettily, he quickly began to speak prettily (praise) to God.

And speaking like this he said:

“Yes Lord, you told me ahead of time that I would see the Savior in person.  Now I have seen precisely this one.  It’s true!  I have seen this one that you sent, this one who will provide passing through (salvation) for those who live in all lands, this one who was sent for everyone.  For he resembles a light.  And precisely he will cause the non-Jews to think in the light regarding yourself.  Its true!  To every person and to everyone who speaks a different language, yes, he will give them knowledge in order that they know you well.  And by his doing, he will cause the non-Jews to see the ones descended from Israel with true value.  And so now God, since I have seen this one, I will be able to die thinking with a refreshed liver (with peace).  So go ahead and give me, your servant, death,” Simeon said to the true God.

Down below here is our son Josh, his wife Josie, and their four children.  Thanks for your prayers for them as they continue to serve the Asian-Pacific Region, and as they transition to new things.  Their oldest son Spencer is in College now, and so that is a real adjustment to have him far away.  Pray for God’s continued leading in all of their lives.

And further down below you see our daughter Jodi, with her husband Brent, and the two little ones all bundled up for the cold.  Pray for them as they continue to work in northern Canada to reach the First Nations of this great land.

How thankful we are that our children know the Lord Jesus as their Savior, and that they want to live for His glory.  We are thankful too that the grandchildren know the Lord as well…..except the last two….who are still just a couple of little peewees!!

Thanks again so very much for your partnering with us.  We are indeed thankful for the ongoing opportunities to serve the P. believers by preparing additional resource material for them.  We hope to get some more Bible lessons sent down to them shortly…and trust God for continued OPEN DOORS!!  Thanks for praying about continued ministry down there.  Thanks again for all you do to keep us going!!

Rejoicing in the Lamb that was slaughtered who will come again as the Lion of Judah who will reign supreme,

Merrill and Teresa