Monday, December 13
Scripture: Isaiah 29:17-24 (see also Isaiah 35:5)

Christ was sent to redeem us just as God promised to restore Israel after destruction by Assyria and other powers.

Just as unexpected love, support and blessings flowed from God to Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem and other Judean locations at Christ’s birth long ago, His blessings also came to our daughter and son-in-law I spring 2001 – maybe by chance – and maybe not.

Many of your have driven south on I-77 from the WV turnpike into Western Virginia and have seen a very small white church on the right at the Bastion exit.  Though at first it sat serenely in the valley as a welcoming beacon, “progress” in the form of two service stations has altered the picturesque landscape.

On their return to North Carolina that spring, after a visit with us, Megan and John pulled into the small gravel parking area at Pine Grove United Methodist Church to stretch their legs and to get a closer look at the little white church. The pastor, Alan Ashworth, who also serves another small congregation, happened to come by in his pickup truck.  He invited Megan and John inside the church where he related its history.  Before they parted, Rev. Ashworth prayer with them, asking God for their safe travel and His blessings for their baby-on-the-way.

That August baby Diana was born in October; Megan was diagnosed with a very rare lymphoma.  Remembering Rev. Ashworth’s sincere concern for their well-being, they contacted him to ask that he include them in his prayers.

About two weeks later, they had a call from Rev. Ashworth, asking if he might come to their home (about a 3 hour drive from Bastion) to pray with them in person.  They could scarcely believe someone they had met just once would make such an effort on their behalf!  God was at work.

He talked and prayed with them for an hour or so, then said he must get back to Virginia.  Before leaving, he carried in two large boxes that his congregations had sent.  Opening them, Megan and John found many items that touched their hearts – two homemade dresses for little Diana, stuffed toys, homemade apple butter – and more.  And in the bottom of one of the boxes, an envelope containing $1000.  Unanticipated gifts from Fellow Methodist they’d never met.  God was at work.  His love is overwhelming.

At the celebration of Megan’s life in May 2002, Rev. Ashworth played his guitar and sang, “Nearer My God to Thee,” then spoke a simple message of God’s love and power.  It seemed that God again had intervened in an unexpected and inspiring manner to lessen our burden, as He has done for so many through the ages.  Our Heavenly Father knows our needs and continues to meet them in amazing, unusual ways.

As always, God has the resources, if we have the faith.

Prayer:  Our Father, May our hearts and lives be warmed and sanctified anew as we welcome Jesus Christ into our midst this season and forevermore.  As our Lord, Protector, Counselor and Messiah, He is so much more than the “reason for the season.”  In His name, Amen

Chuck and Pam Gruber