December 2020 NKY Emmaus Community Newsletter Greetings in the spirit of Christmas! I hope this joyous time of year finds you overwhelmed by Christ! I would like to focus on part of the Christmas story today. It’s rather easy for us to skim over the Christmas story because we know how it ends. I would like to slow down a bit and focus on Joseph and Mary’s Jour-ney. Let’s also take into account the main mode of transportation would’ve been on a donkey. Let’s look at Luke 2:9-14. “Now in those days a decree went out from [the emperor] Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabited world (the Roman Empire) should be registered [in a census]. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to register for the census, each to his own city. So Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was with child. While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for her to give birth, and she gave birth to her Son, her firstborn; and she wrapped Him in [swaddling] cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no [private] room for them in the inn.” This trip would’ve took around a week to complete for Mary and Joseph. Mary is also at the end of her pregnancy. Do you know any women willing to go on a week-long donkey ride 9 months pregnant? This had to be a VERY long week. To make matters worse there is no room for them when they arrive. They went from Inn to Inn only to be told they must walk and ride a bit further. I know I would have been beyond frustrated. We all know that this week long nightmare is worth it because Angels rejoice over the birth of Jesus! The proclamation “Blessed art thou among women.” Isn’t very appealing when you’re nine months pregnant and riding a donkey for a week. Even though this night season for Mary was long, JOY came wrapped in a manger! For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may endure for a night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 The God of the morning is also the God of the night! The week may be long but just wait until your JOY appears! It’s easy to become discouraged during times of darkness, but trust that God has a heavenly gift waiting around the corner. Your Heavenly Father’s love language is trust. Just ask Job or Mary. Mary trusted that the baby was destined to save the world! This didn’t make the pregnancy any less painful or judgmental looks vanish. She endured the pain and the looks because the baby was worth it. In like manner the gift of Christmas surpasses any darkness we might face! No matter how dark the night, Christ shines without rival! Your brother in Christ, Greg Beagle Northern Kentucky Emmaus Community Lay Director
Please keep Betty Stephens and family in your prays with the passing of Lee Stephens. Lee was on men’s walk #45 and served as the prayer coordinator for the NKY Emmaus board. Lee’s energy for serving the Lord will be greatly missed. Also keep the Dunn family and others in your prays that have lost loved one’s last month.
Help Wanted: Currently we are looking for a community member that has a passion for music, are music director position is open, job description is to help lead at the gatherings and to serve on the NKY Emmaus board. If you are interested please contact Greg Beagle or any Emmaus board member.
Also the Emmaus board is looking for: Asst. Community Lay Director, Agape, Team Selection,Community Training
Help Wanted: looking for individuals or couples who enjoy working with teens to help restart the NKY Chrysalis board. The Upper Room is planning to relaunch the Chrysalis program by late May training will be available. Please contact me if God is calling you. gbeagle64@gmail.com
December Gathering Information
The gathering for December will be a virtual Zoom meeting gathering there will be music, fourth day speaker, and small groups, so please come and login to join the fun on December 10th @ 7:00 pm. We will be sending out a Zoom meeting invite by the 10th.
Our mailing address is:
Northern Kentucky Emmaus Ministries
PO Box 17695
Covington, KY 41017
|
