Only One Son – In the Line of Duty

Merry Christmas from the Paynes!

We have been stirred by a very special message in a song that is new to us.  It has caused us to contemplate in a deeper way the magnitude of what God did for us in sending His Only Son, Jesus, to die in our place for our sins.

This song has raised some serious questions in our minds:

• How can we fathom what it cost God to sacrifice His Only Son?
• What kind of love would cause Jesus to leave all the glories of His heavenly  Home, and come to this filthy, sin-spoiled world, to be treated badly, and then die in a horrible death?
• As this song points out, the answer, of course, is love – the kind of love which our human minds cannot comprehend.

We are praying that this will not be just another hectic, “holiday whirlwind” – but, that the Lord will cause us to stand in awe of Him – all that He is, and His great love in sending His precious Son, Jesus. Join us as we marvel at the message of the angel of the Lord in his words to Joseph in Matthew 1:21,

“… and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.”

Winter is not here yet, officially, and we have already had three snow storms!  It’s beautiful, but does cause some schedule changes!  Barb flew to Little Rock, Arkansas, on the 10th, to be with daughter, Judy, as she gave birth to her third child, Emelia Jane, 9 pounds, 2 ounces, on December 15th (C-section).  “Grandma” was be in her glory as she helped take care of Logan (2) and Riley (4)!  In the mean time, Ray tried to keep the snow off the driveway!

We certainly have appreciated your faithfulness in prayers and thoughtfulness in gifts this past year … Philippians 4:17 and 19!  We find it difficult to believe that the whole year of 2003 is almost complete.  What will 2004 bring?  Perhaps the return of the Lord?  We anticipate that “Blessed Hope” (Titus 2:11-14), but are fully committed to “occupying” until He comes.  Please continue to pray that He will keep  us, and strengthen us for His ministry and glory — in the words of David, in Psalm 35:27b and 28:  “… yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.    And my tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and of Thy praise all the day long!”

May you and yours enjoy the blessings of this Christmas season, and look forward, Lord willing, to a spiritually prosperous New Year of 2004!

In Christ’s Love,

Barb and Ray

II Timothy 1:12