The First Noel

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 NKJV

The First Noel is a traditional English carol likely dating from the 14th century. Now that is a long time ago! The version we sing today, stems from a revision done in 1823 by Davies Gilbert and William Sandys. But no matter who wrote the words, the beauty of this special song shines brightly, not only in the East, but also in the hearts of all who have followed the star and found the Lord Jesus for themselves. I hope you will be blessed by our little team of volunteers, who came out Sunday, and then again on Wednesday night to sing at several different facilities around our community. We have one more to sing for tonight, so please pray that our voices hold out!!

This is the Day

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 ESV

As we began the Christmas season at Life Care Center today, I shared the message that Christmas is the day that the Lord has made (specially chosen). Not even Mary and Joseph knew the exact day, if they had, they would have left a few days earlier! For each of our lives, it is the same. Many days come along that challenge our faith, our joy and endurance. We sometimes stop and wonder how God could have allowed this to happen to us. But all the days, both happy and sorrowful are given to us by the hand of our loving Father. I hope you will be uplifted and encouraged by the message of this original song, “This is the Day”.

This is the Day by Peter Caligiuri
Copyright 2022 all rights reserved
Use with permission only

Go Tell it on the Mountain!

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:9-10 KJV

While Thanksgiving weekend is a big date on most of our calendars, life at the nursing home stays pretty much the same. Sure, there is a big inflatable turkey behind me, and they served a special lunch yesterday, but few of the residents received visits from family members and fewer still have even been outside in months. But, just like those shepherds, who were overlooked by everyone else, God is sending them His message, that Jesus Christ has come down, right where we are. He came to give His life, so that we could have our sins forgiven and be restored to a loving relationship with our Father in Heaven. So, let’s “Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere!”