The Psalmist, often is harassed by the enemy, and therefore desires an escape. He knows that God is His strength, so resorts to "cause me to escape," and asks for the authority to God to make Him hear.

Psalm 71:1-3 "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me. Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress."

Revive us again that Thy people might rejoice. These are challenging times and it is so good to know He is with us. Psalm 85:1-13 "LORD, thou hast been favorable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger. Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations? Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation. I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps."

As we wait in great expectation for the return of our Savior, God has offered us His gifts of the Spirit which are many. Whatever the future of 2025 holds it is for sure we are one day closer to Jesus' return!

Rev. Kevin Dershem brought forth the Sunday message addressing the commandment Jesus Christ stated in Luke 22:19-20: "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."

In this New Year, consider something you might try to do every day, or not do! Let's enter into the gates of 2025 with rejoicing in our hearts, thankful in Spirit, and determined to be a stronger witness of Jesus' great love!

Advent Candles: 1st Candle-Angelic Message; 2nd Candle-Obedience; 3rd Candle-Joying; 4th Candle-Emmanuel

In this holy season let the Church reflect upon spiritual things and remember the One who has brought about about a "Merry Christmas." It is a great time to show the love of Jesus, heal hearts, forgive, and offer prayers of thanksgiving, to let our light of Jesus shine bright.

The greatest event in our lives is our salvation, brought to us through a baby born of a virgin. This third week of advent expresses the joy we feel because of the gift of salvation. Luke 1:30-35 "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

Through it all Jesus' obedience brought pain and sorrow! Jesus was obedient, Mary and Joseph were obedient , John the Baptist was obedient. The cross gave us the greatest gift ever given. "Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name."

Romans 1:3-5

John 1:32-33 "And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost."

Angelic activity is in full swing. This is a day of preparation. While the whole world prepares to celebrate this event, many do not give Jesus a thought. It has become a holiday for them. But the receiver of salvation it is preparation to remember the One who gave His life for ou eternal home.