DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
Isaiah 9:6 tells us, " 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". Who brings JOY TO THE WORLD!
December follows the month of Thanksgiving and on our way to ushering in a New Year! With this Special Month we celebrate the Birth of JESUS.
I first want to say, "Thank You, for allowing us to be your Pastor and parsonage family. We have found wonderful things here at Linden United Methodist Church and Marengo County. You have blessed our family in a variety of ways too many to mention in the space I am given. I also want to thank you for sharing your lives with our family. Many of you have had situations or experiences happen which enabled me or my family to get to know you outside of the church. I can say, we have enjoyed those times bonding with you in the LOVE of The LORD. Most importantly, this year we as a church have had many experiences with HIM generating many fond memories.
Secondly, I want to recall how God works in our life. He is first welcomed into our hearts through our acknowledgement of sin (1John1:9). Asking for forgiveness, and seeking reconciliation with the Everlasting Father. When we invite JESUS into our hearts HE can begin HIS work in us. As HE reveals HIMSELF to us we can begin to understand HIS presence in our lives. We are to seek HIM out through prayer, reading the Word, studying the Word, and having fellowship with other Believers. Through this process JESUS transforms our lives into becoming Servants of the MOST HIGH- MIGHTY GOD. As this happens we begin to understand How HE is the PRINCE OF PEACE. Having peace in our hearts is one of the most wonderful things God can give to us. I pray you have this Peace that surpasses all understanding this Christmas Season.
And finally, May you experience the JOY OF THE WORLD. Through serving JESUS, HE will give you JOY. You may find this JOY by giving, serving, receiving, blessing, caring, sharing, praying - by getting in HIS Presence, or being HIS servant. I pray you have it and if not, you may find it during this most wonderful time of year. JOY! From this JOY found may your countenance illuminate the radiance of HIS Shekinah Glory!
Let me close with Jesus' prayer for all people in the world from John 22:18-23. "18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me" (NKJV).
The Antonelli family would like to wish your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!