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VALLEY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Christmas:  A Defining Moment

12/19/2017

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And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.  Luke 2:8
 
It some ways it was a night like any other night; life was unfolding the same way it always did for some shepherds, who were just doing what shepherds do, watching their flock.  But, into the routine of this ordinary night, God was about to break in in an extraordinary way. 
 
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. 
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
  Luke 2:9-11
 
God was breaking into human history and what started out as nothing more than routine becomes a defining moment for these shepherds.  So it is with our lives; things move along routinely and then suddenly God breaks into our lives in a way that changes everything.  Perhaps not as dramatically as He did on the night in Bethlehem but we know God has stepped into our path and we too have experienced a defining moment.
 
This Christmas I invite you to open yourself to the possibility that God wants to come alongside you in a special way; open your eyes that you might see the presence of God all around you; that you might experience His kindness and love in new and wonderful ways; that you might hear His voice and be fully responsive to Him. 
 
Perhaps He will break through and surprise you with His grace or quietly whisper words of affirmation and encouragement.  Perhaps He will lead you into a path you never imagined and on that path you will see Him through the eyes of a renewed faith and experience a renewed hope.  Or perhaps he will simply draw you close to Him and invite you to rest in His presence.  Whatever the case, are you open to the possibility?
 
Janice and I want to express to our gratitude for the kindness and support we have received from so many over this past year.  Thank you to all who have shared this journey of faith with us! 
 
From our home to yours, we extend warmest wishes
for a wonderful Christmas and blessed New Year!
 
Pastor Ken
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    Author

    Ken Clarke has been the Pastor at Valley since 2007. He lives in the Oliver area 
    with his wife Janice. They have three adult children, Lisa, Scott & Tiffany (Riley, Charlie), Andrea & Jason (Noah, Luke).

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4312 Black Sage Road Box 1235 Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 250-498-4829 valleyccc@hotmail.com