Are you ready for Christmas? It seems to be the favorite question of the hour that many people including myself ask of others all around us. Over the years my definition of being ready has changed from all the duties and expectations of Christmas to just beginning to understand the preparation needed and the longing I have for His peace that comes through His presence. I really just need to ask is my heart ready for Christmas or more specifically Is my heart ready for Christ?

One young lady who has lost both of her parents and lives with lots of her cousins was thrilled over purchasing a box of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes all for her to enjoy. I just had to smile because so often this girl knows she has to share everything including what food they have in the house. Yes we encourage the spirit of giving and many were doing that, but this girl who at times I’m sure experiences hunger had a delight that was making her grin ear to ear with a mouth full of an already opened box of Little Debbie Cakes expressing, “Mrs. Jodi, see, I was able to buy the whole box!” We love these kids so much and I can’t begin to tell you how much the sacrifice of many really touch

people’s lives in very real way. It really is like getting a big hug from Jesus that says, “I’m here, I care, and I love you!”

2011 is almost at a close and we wanted to keep you updated on the Nehemiah campaign. We are thankful and grateful for all the generous donations that have helped us reach over 33% of our original goal. Thank you so much for loving and giving the way many of you have!

Now the question before us today is… are we ready for 2012? Honestly, we have had our share of concerns with times being hard on everyone wondering are we going to make it? Will we have enough? What’s the impact going to be especially on all these 160 plus children and their families that filled Urban Vision on this past Saturday? We all realize we do what we can and what we are asked to do by God, and then we leave the results with Him. We can fret, worry and wonder but faith is saying I believe God no matter what and I choose to rest in His presence and His provision as He sees fit. I do believe He is a God who sees and cares, a God who has been preparing His kingdom since the creation of this world. (Matthew 25:34) I know what it takes to prepare for the Christmas store in one week I can’t even begin think about all the care and thought of how marvelous this kingdom is going to be that God our Father has been preparing since the dawn of time. Pretty Amazing…….!

In Matthew 25:35-36, 40 continues, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you visited me….. The King will reply,” Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

I still believe God is able to accomplish all that He intends and uses people like you and me for His plan and purpose. If you would continue to pray and if God leads you to give this Christmas to Urban Vision it would go to help little girls and boys and families see not just a gift at Christmas time but many hearts prepared to receive the Prince of Peace In their lives both now and on into eternity.

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Peace Filled New Year!