THE MESSENGER VOL.32

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Germanicus December 20171986 Lake Dore Road, Golden Lake, On. KOJ 1XO

Phone 613 625 2433 Cell 613 633 0954 e-mail: pastorklein1@gmail.com

from the pastors deskDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Matthew 1:23, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and the shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us.

The above verse is the heart and core of the Christmas message. Matthew recalls the promise of the Prophet Isaiah many centuries earlier. This is what Christmas is all about. God came in the flesh to be born in Bethlehem's manager. The Holy God came in the flesh into our world which is filled with sin, sorrow, tears, and death. Just think for a moment about what this means. God loved his creatures so much that He was willing to leave His throne in heaven that we might be freed from the bonds of slavery. He came into our sinful world for you and me. This is the greatest present of all time. Today the response would probably be "Wow". I however like the Hebrew word much better. That word is "Hallelujah", which means "Praise be to God".

This God came into our world. This babe of Bethlehem came for one purpose. He came to suffer and die for sinners which includes you and me. This is real love. So this Christmas season I encourage you to take the time to thank and praise Him in this busy season. Take the time to worship Him and contemplate the real meaning of Christmas. Without this event, we would have little to celebrate. Without Him there would be no Christmas. As you give and receive presents this year take the time and opportunity to share the Good News of the greatest present of all time.

It is hard to accept that 2017 is already coming to a close. So much has happened this past year but through the floods and wet weather, through the cool and unusual spring and summer, through the sickness and pain of this past year we remember the name, "Immanuel". We are reminded that god has been with us, is with us still, and will be with us in the years ahead. This is where the rubber hits the road. Christmas is not just an annual holiday. Jesus came into our everyday world. Christmas reminds us that God is with us as we walk through this world. Christmas is an everyday event.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your prayers, for your love, and for your support that you have shown towards Rosemarie and myself this past year.

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Immanuel.Pastor Richard Klein

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me.  What in the world do leaping lords,

French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?   This week, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. -The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. -Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. -Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.- -The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. -The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament. -The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation. -Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching,   Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy. -The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes. -Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,   Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. -The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments. -The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. -The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed. So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

UPCOMING EVENTS….. We will practice for the Children's Christmas Eve program on Dec 3rd until the 24th

THANK YOU TO ….. Thanks to those who packed our shoeboxes. We filled 43 boxes, beating last year’s record of 40. Way to go, Germanicus.-Since the closing of Gerber’s Nursery from October to March, we had to look elsewhere for the trimming of the Advent wreath frame. Linda Welk from Killaloe Flowers has done this for us and also donated her time and materials. We thank her sincerely. The altar poinsettias come from her flower shop.ST. JOHN’S IN MISSION…..*We will be accepting donations of canned and dried foods in support of the Eganville Food Bank from Sunday November 26th until Sunday December 17th. Thanks to Welland and Lorraine for looking after this outreach to our community. *Pictured here are three volunteer audiologists who travelled to the Dominican Republic (Nov. 9th-16th) with Friends for Life International. The boxes that they have are filled with medical kits. I will share a full report of the trip when it is available.

*In a recent letter, Ron Ludke, Executive Director of LAMP, shared a story that touched his heart. Ron was visiting a mission team in Sucker River, Saskatchewan, a community where he had taught Vacation Bible School 25 years ago. He recognized one of the parents who was now bringing his children to VBS. Ron recounted that it was wonderful to see that the seeds of faith had taken hold in this man’s life and he was eager to share the Good News of Jesus with his children. God’s word does not return void, and the Holy Spirit works faith in every generation. *Canadian Lutheran World Relief’s ‘Gifts from the Heart’ catalogues are still available at the back of the church. CLWR’s performance was evaluated by an independent agency and results were posted in the ‘Money Sense Magazine’. Its fundraising efficiency was rated as A+ with $96.00 out of every $100.00 raised, going to help people in need. It is encouraging to know that our donations truly make a difference in the lives of others. In closing, I would like to share the following Advent prayer, written by Henri Nouwen. May his prayer be ours as well. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear Your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to Your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of Your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of Your presence. To You we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen A Blessed Advent and Christmas to all~

Susan

IN OUR PRAYERS….. Our Council and those who are willing to offer their time to work for our church.Those who are unaware that they need our prayers and support; Donna Timm (Brians sister); Crystal Rath (Rosemarie Klein's mother); Darlene Schroeder (Clarence & LeeAnn's daughter-in-law); Norman & Joan Hein; Nicole Schroeder; Our Shut-Ins -Myrtle Schroeder, at home; Earl Zohr, Tenniscoe Manor, Pikwakanagan; Cliff Miller, Miramichi Lodge, Pembroke; Anita & Norman Kutschke, Bonnechere Manor, Renfrew; Irene Zohr, Rosebridge Manor, Jasper, ON; Anna Athanas, at home; Bernice Layman, at home; Rev. Lapp & Roberta, Supples Landing, Pembroke.

when you are challenged by illness or other tests in life, let us help you in prayer. It can be very powerful! Call Elaine Mundt @613-625-2539

Jewelry mentioned on the Bible includes rings, earrings, bracelets and chains. Fill in each blank with the person who had the jewelry.

1. The servant of __________________ presented Rebekah a golden earring and two bracelets when she gave him water. (Gen. 24:12, 20-23).

2. The family and friends of _______________ each gave him a gold earring to comfort him after all the evil which had befallen him. (Job 42:11-12).

3. _______________ gave Joseph a ring and put a gold chain around his neck. (Gen. 41:42).4. _______________ of the prodigal gave his son the finest clothes and a ring.(Luke 15:22).5. _______________ made an ephod from spoils of earrings which weighed seventeen-hundred shekels.

(Judge 8:24-26).6. _______________ asked Judah for his signet, bracelets and staff as a pledge. (Gen. 38:13-18).7. The king gave _____________ the royal ring to seal a bargain. (Esther 3:8-10).8. When he realized _______________ could not live, a man killed him and took the bracelet from the

dead man’s arm and brought it to David. (2 Sam. 1:10).9. The women of Israel sang about _____________ who put golden jewelry (ornaments) on their apparel.

(2 Sam. 1:24).10. ____________ told the men to break off their wives’ earrings and bring them to him to make a golden

calf. (Ex. 32:2).

The father,-Gideon, -Tamar,-Haman, -Abraham, -Job, -Pharaoh, -Saul, -Saul, -Aaron

For your information:Office hours: - Pastor Klein’s office hours are Mon. to Thurs. 9:00 – 12:00 Exceptions are Holidays and if other appointments interfere.Church-613-625-2433 Cell-613-633-0954 e-mail: pastorklein1@gmail.com

Hospital Visits: -Pastor Klein will make hospital calls if he is needed. Please contact him if you are entering the hospital. Being a rural area, he requires you to notify him.