Grac*e-mail for 11/30/09

Grac*e-mail for 11/30/09

got grace?

The Christian New Year started yesterday with the first Sunday in Advent – so let me be the first to wish you a Happy and Blessed New Year!

John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com

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A scripture to start your Season…



Luke 1:26-38



Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"



But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."



Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"



And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy one who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible."



Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.



NKJV



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Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail Blog?



http://gracemail.blogspot.com/



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Speaking of the Grac*e-mail Blog, check out the new God’s Promise 2U at

http://gracemail.blogspot.com/2009/11/gods-promise-2u-for-113009.html



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“A little humor…”



From the bulletin of the Church of the Incarnation in Sarasota, Florida:



"The Magic of Lassie, a film for the whole family, will be shown Sunday at 5 p.m. in the church hall. Free puppies will be given to all children not accompanied by parents."





“A Pun Anyone?”



A herring that for many years swam along with a friendly whale appeared one day without its companion. Asked where the whale was, the herring replied: "How would I know? Am I my blubber's kipper?"



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Want to simplify your holidays and save money on Christmas?



http://christmas.organizedhome.com/simplify-your-holidays



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‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAME



‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house

Not a creature was praying not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there.



The children were dressing to crawl into bed,

Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And mom in her rocker with baby on her lap

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.



When out of the East there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, I flew like a flash

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!



When what to my wondering eyes should appear

But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray

I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!



The light of His face made me cover my head.

It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said.

And through I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.



In the Book of Life which He held in His hand,

Was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;

When He said "It’s not here" my head hung in shame.



The people whose names had been written with love

He gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready He arose without a sound

While all the rest were left standing around.



I fell to my knees, but it was too late;

I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.

I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;

Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.



In the words of this poem the meaning is clear.

The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There’s only one life and when comes the last call

We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!



---Author Unknown



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Got this from my Mom-in-law, Becky Bradshaw, who took in my family last week for a wonderful Thanksgiving visit… (thanks!)



“A Christmas Invitation”



Dear loved ones,



As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.



It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.



I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts... But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face... and I wanted to be with them and share their table.



In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" .. as if the party were in his honor!



At 12 Midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and ... do you know... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.



What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.



Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.



I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party.



I'm still making the final arrangements.



Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation will be left outside.



Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party.



See you soon.

I Love you!

Jesus



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Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com



NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!



Grace & peace –

John A. Bright

Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia

johnlynnbright@gmail.com

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."