I begin this post with a note of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. Long term readers of Army Renewal Blog will know that this time last year, due to a variety of circumstances, that I was off work because depression had set in. It used to happen now and again, throw back from a heathen upbringing. I just want to say that I have been free from depression since that time. Praise God. He is able, more than able. Go on, believe him for that thing that’s troubling you today. You know who you are, yes, you…I’m talking to you. You know who you are!

As I look back a year, its weird to be in a different place again for Christmas. As an officer you do things for a couple of years and then you miss them when you don’t do them, only to be presented with a new set of ministries and opportunities in a new place. Carol Young, our successor at Pill was recently blogging on some of her Christmas activities this year and I had a few smiles as I recounted the people and places and times.

This week is gearing up to be a full one, as you’d imagine. But as I was saying to my folks this morning, we must remember that the thing that will last from Christmas is our holiness experience, how our faith grows. Don’t miss Jesus is the midst of it all. Thats my prayer for you.

I’d ask for prayer for one particular event this week….I have to primary schools worth of children coming to the hall for their Christmas service. There will be about 240 children plus teachers and parents. I’ve been asked to use the idea of ‘Christingle’ as the basis for my message (if you don’t know what it is, Google it). Its a good opportunity to share Jesus with the kids, so many of them I know and love.

Thanks!

yours, under the flag

Andrew C