Yesterday was Christmas day according to the Eastern calendar. Though there were a few flakes of snow in the air, mostly it was a cold blustery day in Kherson. Not the mobs of people on the street and in the market as just before the holidays.
Actually, it's rather pleasant getting around the city on a holiday - more quiet, fewer people
on public transportation which means no pushing, shoving to squeeze a few more people on a bus or trolley - whew - what a relief!
I enjoyed going with Jamie and Julia and th
eir four children to the 
local puppet theater where the the 
annual children's Holiday - New year/Christmas - play was presented, after which were some fun games and activities for the children. As you can see most children were dressed up in costumes.We're missing the Pikes very much as they're in the States on medical leave. Even now as I write this blog, we're waiting to receive an update from Mel.
It's been a busy holiday season this year, but a very good one. Sunday, January 6 was our Christmas worship service in the Kherson church. It was wonderful to have the group from the neighboring town of Tsurupinsk with us, as well as a number of
new people. Jamie preached (with Sergei interpreting) about the true meaning of Christmas and of the One and Only Lord and King whom we worship and serve. So many wonderful, warm and happy traditions surround this season of the year - we all enjoy them. Unfortunately,however, the greatest reason for celebration is so often overlooked in the midst of all these the activities - the fulfillment of God's promise to send His One and Only Son in to the World to save His people from their sins - to offer the greatest gift known to man - the gift of life eternal through faith in this One - Jesus Christ who is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, the Bread of Life, the Lamb of God, the Good Shepherd, Savior, the Hope of the world, the Image of the invisible God by whom all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible - all things have been created by Him and for Him,the Word (God) who became flesh and dwelt among us, the Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the End, who was and is and will be, the One who will return again one day to redeem His people. I thank and praise my God and Savior that He is faithful to His promises and that His word never fails!Though sunny have been few and far between, today, at this moment the sun is shining brightly - certainly adds color to the otherwise grayishness of winter.
Wow, the land for our
Kherson church building has finally been cleared! It's a bit too cold at the moment to begin any construction, but as soon as things warm up a bit it will begin.
No comments:
Post a Comment