• Home
    • Protocols
    • Ways to Give
  • Prayer Corner
    • Share a Request
    • Memorial Tribute >
      • Norman Hunter
      • Dennis Brommeland
      • Norris Thompson
      • Irv Wood
      • Ann Vander Kooi
      • Jack Demorest
      • Yde Vander Kooi
      • Ainsley Rose Wollf
      • Dick Mayer
      • David Rusnell
      • Bob McKay
      • Guy Deschatelets
      • Chloe Kroeger
      • Ida Barisoff
      • Gerard Zandee
      • Nick Dikur
  • About Valley
    • Annual Reports >
      • 2020 Annual Report
      • 2019 Annual Report
      • 2018 Annual Report
      • 2017 Annual Report
      • 2016 Annual Report
      • 2015 Annual Report
    • Who We Are
    • What We Believe
    • How We Are Governed >
      • Constitution & Bylaws
    • Where We Are Going
  • Ministries
    • Missions Guidelines
    • Leadership Team >
      • Nomination Committee
      • Benevolent Ministry
    • Finance and Property >
      • 2020 Budget
      • Current Quarterly Report
      • Guidelines for Use of Building
    • Missions >
      • Valley Missions Newsletter
    • Caring and Connecting
    • Christian Education >
      • Library
    • Worship >
      • Heritage House
  • What's Happening
    • Bulletin
    • Links
  • Photos
    • 30th Anniversary
    • Annual Celebration >
      • 2020
      • 2019
      • 2018
      • 2017
      • 2016
      • 2015
      • 2014
      • 2013
      • 2012
      • 2011
      • 2010
    • 25th Anniversary
    • Follow the Duck 2014
    • Follow the Crown 2013
    • Mexico 2013
    • "The Bridge"
    • 20th Anniversary
  • Messages
    • Archived Messages 2021
    • Archived Messages 2020
    • Archived Messages 2019
    • Archived Messages 2018
    • Archived Messages 2017
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
    • Directions
    • Directory >
      • Membership List
      • How To Become A Member
      • Guidelines for Responsible Members
VALLEY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Christmas Letter 2020

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
                                                                                                 Luke 2:14
The words of Luke 2 are familiar to all of us, we come back to them each Christmas and find in the story of Jesus’ birth a measure of peace and joy and hope.  But, this Christmas is different!  As we look around, it’s not easy to find a reason to be joyful or hopeful, and peace seems to be elusive. Just watching the news at night is heartbreaking; there is so much loss, so much hatred and injustice and division, so many who are hurting, who are out of work, hungry and afraid. Even those who have a strong faith cannot help but be troubled by the brokenness in our world today.
 
But, friends, for this reason Jesus came!  When He began His earthly ministry He quoted the words of Isaiah the prophet:  The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (Isaiah 61:1).
 
Where does a hurting world find healing and strength and a reason to believe tomorrow will be better?  We look to the Prince of Peace, the One who is called Emmanuel, God with us.  How do we navigate our way through a pandemic?  How do we make sense of the political and social unrest of our day?  Where can we find strength and courage to combat the injustices and inequalities in our society?  Where do we, as a people of faith turn to find answers, to renew our faith and hope?
 
We do what God’s people have always done in times of crisis and unrest; we run to the One who is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1).  We take Jesus at His word: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).  We remind ourselves that One who came as Bethlehem’s baby is King of kings and Lord of lords. 
 
My friends at Valley, this is my prayer for you: May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
 
May you rest in the love of Christ and may you find in Him peace and joy this Christmas!
 
Janice and I want to thank you for your love and support, for all the kindness you have extend to us and our family.  Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity.  It is our joy to share this journey with you.
 
From our home to yours, may the joy of the season surround you!
 
Pastor Ken
4312 Black Sage Road Box 1235 Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 250-498-4829 valleyccc@hotmail.com