The Hope of a New Beginning

Fresh off the celebration of Christmas, we are reflecting on the reason for the season – honoring the birth of Christ.

Mary gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

By definition, baby Jesus and his family were homeless.

Jesus’ need for safe, temporary housing was met in the form of a stable. And despite his humble beginnings, Jesus was the King of Kings, the Son of God…the Savior of the world.

God had a plan for Jesus’ life.

God also has a plan for each woman and child who will find safe, temporary shelter at Becky’s Place in Bedford, IN. Being homeless, in need of help and hope, does not negate the fact that these individuals are God’s children whom He loves very much. Becky’s Place offers the hope of a new beginning and we have the joyous opportunity to serve these women and children by offering a homelike environment as they work toward a life of self-sufficiency. Through their experience at Becky’s Place, women and children are reminded of their worth and the difference they can make in the world.

If you would like to learn more about how you can become involved with Becky’s Place, please call 812.275.5773.

Emmanuel: God With Us

Do you love Christmas music? Or are you glad when it’s behind us for another year? Maybe you are one of those people that could listen to it all year round. A favorite of many during the Christmas season is “O Holy Night.”

Why not take a moment to let these lyrics sink in today?

Long lay the world, in sin and error pining
TIL HE APPEARED, and the soul felt its worth!

Now compare these lyrics with Galatians 4:4-5:

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Can you relate to this on a personal level? Along with the whole world, we have each been personally corrupted by sin, wallowing in our own grievous errors…and pining for someone to rescue us.

Then that SOMEONE appeared! "When the fullness of the time came," Jesus Christ appeared…Emmanuel. And the soul felt its worth. Your worth comes from him. He redeemed you; He adopted you; He made you his child.

Fall on your knees...worship the King. Emmanuel: God with us.

Nothing and no one compares with Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

Breaking the Silence this Christmas

Throughout the Old Testament, God was actively at work and communicating with his people to show the world that he is the One True God. Between the close of the book of Malachi and the opening of the book of Matthew, there are 400 “years of silence” and then … Emmanuel. God with us. But 400 years is a long time. Fear, uncertainty and hopelessness must have gripped the hearts of God’s people throughout that time.

At various times in life, all of us feel as though we are experiencing a “season of silence” – whether it be distance from family, or friends, or even God himself. During these times, it is invaluable when another person reaches out to help and offer a ray of hope.

Likewise, many in our communities live their day-to-day lives feeling as though they are alone – experiencing a season of silence – from those around them, and possibly from God.

As we go through the Christmas season, we challenge you to focus on Emmanuel, and also to intentionally focus on others. Who can you help? To whom can you offer hope? Your act of kindness and compassion has the power to break the silence in someone’s life.  So go ahead and let your life speak volumes to someone who needs to encounter Jesus today – Emmanuel, God with us.