The Harvesters

wish you A VERY

Merry Christmas

updated12/20/18

 

 

Luke 2:4-14 (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

He was born of a virgin as prophesied by the prophet Isaiah and lived a sinless life. He later shed His blood, was crucified, died and was buried for the sins of mankind. He was resurrected from the dead, ascended to Heaven and is seated at the Right Hand of the Father.  He will come again!  He has gone to prepare a place for us.  Praise His Holy name for the gift of eternal life.  He secured our future once we accept and acknowledge that He is our Savior and make him Lord of our lives.  O’ What a Savior!

At Christmas we spread His message of peace and harmony and above all love. Many folks express their affection through gifts and warm wishes, but in the midst of all the commercialization, we do not forget the real spirit of the true Christmas. We hope you make more cherished memories this year by spending time with family and friends, singing Christmas carols, attending church services and special cantatas and other musical events, taking a walk with a friend and reflecting on the beauty of the season.

The Christmas season is an extra special time to celebrate the priceless gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His birth, which we commemorate during this season, is so much more than a holiday celebration.  We proudly proclaim our gratitude to our Heavenly Father of the most significant gift we will ever receive: Our Blessed Savior is the Son of God, the Redeemer of all mankind, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, and our joy and salvation. The Christmas season has marvelous meaning as we seek to follow His example and live His teachings.

The beautiful hymns that we sing at Christmas allow us to feel the Spirit affirming to our hearts that He is the Light of the World;   He is Wonderful, Counselor, the Prince of Peace, our Savior and Redeemer, Emmanuel, and the Messiah !   And the great I AM!

This time of year further offers us an opportunity to think about the welfare of all people and especially those experiencing hardship and misfortune. May we pray for all of our military serving around the world and their families.  We are so grateful for their service and love of country.  We salute each and every one. May we exemplify the context of Jesus’ example and show acts of benevolence and kindness as to others as we are able. A favorite Christmas quote is from Helen Keller who was visually impaired:

“The only real blind person at Christmas-time is he who has no Christmas in his heart.”

The Harvesters wish for every single person in our music family is for a healthy, happy, joyous, safe and peaceful Christmas season and all good thoughts for the year 2019. You are very special to us and we appreciate you all so much.

Peace, joy and the love of Christ from The Harvesters,

Danny, Allen, Mark, Tommy