Country Church Music - From the Heart

Greetings dear friends and family,

Sadly, in the eyes of some people Christmas is over. Christmas trees are already showing up at the recycle drop offs and decorations are beginning to come down to be boxed up and put away till next year.

Jesus did not come into this world to be boxed up and taken out for display a few weeks each year. He came as the Light to show us the way. He came to die on a cross for us so that one day darkness will be no more.

As we journey through this Christmas season and into a new year, may we as lights for Jesus continue to shine brightly. Then others will see that Jesus lives in our hearts not just for a few weeks each December, but always. Jesus in the reason, we celebrate the Christmas season.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born for you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, your Son began his journey to the cross in a lowly stable. He came to bring light to this world so that darkness will rule no more. Help us to be lights to those who live in darkness, and when we, your children struggle, are in pain or in sorrow and lose our way, remind us we never walk alone and to turn towards the cross and there lay down our burdens at the feet of our Savior and King, for he walks with us through the darkness and will help us to see the promise of his light. In your everlasting name we pray. Amen.

As you go on your way may Christ go with you. May he go before you to show you the way, beside you to befriend you, behind you to encourage you, above you to watch over you, and within you to give you his peace and light. Amen.

With love and prayers as we journey together as God’s children into 2009.

Peace,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

Sunday was the darkest day of the year. The days will slowly become longer and we will begin to see more daylight.

December may be a month of darkness, but our hearts know it is a month filled with light. It is a month when we pause and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Light, Jesus Christ our Savior and King.

As we gather to celebrate the birth of our Savior, may our hearts be filled with the peace, hope, love, and joy of the Promised One. Trusting that when Christ comes again; we will live in his light with our Father in heaven. And there will never be darkness again.

Thanks be to God.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Heavenly Father, out of the darkness you sent us a light, your beloved Son. Help us to turn to the Light and to shine for him. Fill our hearts with joyful praise as we gather to celebrate the birth of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and our King. Amen.

“O Come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.”

From my heart to yours…..I wish you a blessed Christmas.

With love,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

One Incredible Moment was the name of the cantata we experienced Sunday morning. It was performed by very gifted people at First Lutheran Church in Omaha, where my good friend Judith is pastor. She and the other participants stirred up our hearts, reminding us what Advent and Christmas are truly about.

In that one incredible moment when our Savior was born in a lowly manger, he began a journey. It was a journey that led him to the cross. It was a journey he took out of love, for you and for me.

So as this Advent season continues and Christmas approaches, my prayer for us all is that we remember to open our hearts and share the love of the one who came to earth in that one incredible moment. The one who is coming again: Jesus Christ, our Savior and our King.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and place him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

Heavenly Father, in one incredible moment you sent your beloved Son into this world to save us. Help us as your children to share the good news of your redeeming love, a love that is freely given by you for all to receive. In your name we pray. Amen.

Jesus loves you……share the news.

With prayers and love,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

As we drove home from South Dakota recently in the darkness of the December night, we had to pay extra attention to where we were. Unable to see some of the things we see during the daylight hours, we had to be alert to what was around us to ensure a safe trip home.

So it is with our hearts. We must pay attention to where we are, we must be alert to what is around us. There is darkness in this world but we have a light that shines brightly, a light that shows us the way; Jesus.

So as our Advent journey continues may our hearts remember to look to Jesus, trusting that he will light the way for us; ensuring a safe trip home.

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12

Let us pray: loving Father, help us to be pay attention, to be alert, to focus on your Son, the Light of the world. Amen.

With hope and love in Jesus,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

Our Advent journey has begun. It is a journey that leads us to the manger. It is a journey filled with anticipation and wonder as we ponder the true meaning of Christmas.

Too often we want to end our journey at the manger. But the journey must continue on to the cross where we see the pricelessness of the gift that God gave us. The journey continues on from the cross and will not end till the day when Christ returns.

So as we journey through this Advent season and beyond, may our hearts be reminded to reach out and to share Christ’s love with others. To let our lights shine; helping others find their way through the darkness to the one who is the true light, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

When Jesus spoke again to the people he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Let us pray: Loving Father, fill our hearts with peace, hope, and love as we journey through this Advent season. Thank you for the precious gift of your Son. Help us to live as your children and share your gift with others. May we as your children shine for you, helping to bring the light of your Son to those who live in darkness. In your name we pray. Amen.

God’s peace, hope, and love to you,

Diane