Gifts and Giving

Fools were not wanting as their Christmas madness surrounded us with ads and attitudes. You could sense their frustrations as they battled over whether they should say happy holiday or merry Christmas. Some try to make Christmas, at best, an economic issue, others, at worse, a political issue (i.e. separation of church and state). What it does say, is that there is still the fear that the Christian faith is a terror to those who wish that it is true that there is no God, and that his Word is of no benefit to their lifestyle. For it is the Christian Faith which proclaims that the Creator-Savior is a personal God who has revealed himself in his Word, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Whether some celebrate Christmas or not does not matter. For we do celebrate, rejoice over the great love of God the Father who sent his Son into the world, born of the virgin Mary, who was to be the Messiah-Savior of his people.
We did exchange presents, not as a religious practice, but as a tradition that brings us together at another time of the year. This was another precious year as we all got together; with Dorcas and family we had a wonderful time with Philip and family at Thanksgiving time (exchanging gifts) in Wexford, Pennsylvania (the previous post has those pictures). This past Saturday we exchanged gifts by the “Christmas Tree.” This brought memories of my Christmas’ in Brooklyn, New York. In the 1940’s my family lived in a six-family brownstone house on a street named after one of the famous Admirals, Decatur. Dad would get a tree in that week before Christmas. Mom and I and my brother Louis would begin making decorations. There was the stringing of popcorn and the making of rings of paper to wrap around the tree. It was the time when Elmer glue was transparent and placed in a small glass tube with a rubber end. We would cut different colored papers into strips about six inches long and a half inch wide. We would put some glue on one end and hold it tight to the other end with the hope that it would stay glued. It was fun, and in that apartment, which was long, we would start in the kitchen and put together the long string of paper rings. From kitchen through the dining room down the hall passed our bedroom, bathroom, closet, and through Dad and Mom’s bedroom, Dad’s desk and then the living room, ran the paper trail. Christmas morning brought the exchange of gifts (toy soldiers and forts made out of cardboard; and with a little imagination and rubber bands could have a battle). New York City was a great place to enjoy the seasons. I have ice-skated in Manhattan and enjoyed the special decorated windows of the department stores, along with their animated toys.
There was Christmas Carols sung by members of the youth group and church that sung in the neighborhood. There was also a Christmas Eve service; which brings us to the Gift of gifts, Christ Jesus the Son of God. There is something very special about this Gift. We exchange gifts, we hope to receive gifts. However, the Gift of the Son of God transcends whatever gifts we are able to give. Christ is a Gift who brings us to himself. We embrace him because he first embraces us. We only receive the Gift of the Son because the Father first receives us. We certainly don’t earn it, but we rejoice in it. It is the Gift which is eternal and which we enjoy each and every day. We enjoy our traditions, but they fade away and need to be renewed each year. They will never take the place of the great celebration of the Son of God never fades away in the heart and life of the Christian believer.

Grandpa

Robert L. LaMay

The glorious promise of the Savior shines brighter than the Creator’s stars of heaven: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Christmas Preparation

Many of you will be sharing gifts and in so doing, I pray, you will remember Christ in a very special way. Remember, through the reading of His Scripture that Christ, who was born of the Virgin Mary in than manger in Bethlehem, now reigns as King of kings both in His Kingdom on earth and in our hearts. Truly, a King has been born and reigns today! This Christ is able to save, to deliver us from sin and protect us from evil. He has come by promise of the Father. He has commended His "love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved through him" (Rom. 5:8-9). His singular love is demonstrated and assured. Come, therefore, now to Christ, confessing your sins and receiving Him as He has revealed Himself both to you and to me.

We rejoice in the living Christ, our Saviour, the King of kings.
Grandpa

Glory to God

There are four seasons of the year: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Some more pronounced in different areas than others. Then there are the 'religious seasons' celebrated through the year. Christmas either brings joy to many or wrecks havoc with their own world view. The season means an abundance of sales as Malls decorate to entice the buying of gifts for both the naughty and nice. The atheist and liberal humanist seek to do battle with the so-called Christian symbols. What fools these mortals be as they seek to pass laws that only white lights can be displayed rather than red or green. Constitutional rights are put forth as being applicable only to all [except Christians]. Shall we join the battle of the feeble minded?

No. We shall go about the duty we owe to our God and Savior each day of the year. We will celebrate the truth that the Savior has come and is now reigning as the King of kings. We share with you a "year long" card that the Christ who is called "Wonderful" will fill your hearts with His marvelous grace and love. The world will do battle while we will proclaim victory! We will, with one another, Glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Grandpa will be preaching on December 23rd at the Washington Iowa Reformed Presbyterian Church. The Scripture reading will be from Isaiah nine. The emphasis is on the Second Person of the Godhead, the Son, in verses six through seven. May the words of God's Scriptures be written upon our hearts as we enjoy family and friends during this season, granting us grace and love in Christ through the years.

For (from the Sermon), "The Son of God who took upon Himself our flesh, is the one who is our King, our Sovereign. The God-Man rules by covenant promise, sitting upon the eternal throne of David. By divine edict the Son has been ordained to this majestic throne, 'Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree; the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee" (Ps. 2:6-7). Government and peace shall be His rod and scepter. He bears the burden of the office of Supreme Magistrate in His Kingdom. It will be pure in justice and and righteousness. It will be without avarice. It will be of peace because He, as Messiah-King, will be the Advocate between His Father and His people. His governing His Church speaks of 'His singular love and care for His elect' (G.B. notes)."

May our Savior and King bring blessings to each of you, as we think of you,

with Love,

Grandpa and Grandma La May

THANKSGIVING 2007

We took off for Wexford, Pennsylvania to spend three whole days with Philip and his family. Rob and Dorcas, along with Micah and Emma Ruth, making sure that Grandpa and Grandma LaMay got there in one piece, traveled from seven in the morning on that Tuesday to seven in the evening. Arriving safe we saw Philip and Michelle's boys [Andrew, Joshua, Titus and Matthew] looking out the window with joyful expectation. It proved to be a great week. We had a great Thanksgiving dinner, enjoyed our children and grandchildren. We worshipped together at the North Hills RP Church Thanksgiving morning meeting old friends. We visited the Reformed Presbyterian Home in Pittsburgh and was given the tour of the new addition. It was a joy to visit Michelle's grandparents at the Home, Rev. Mel and Marian Martin. We took a ride up the rail where we took a picture of the family [note Matthew the youngest looking carefully at who was taking the picture / there is always someone around who is gracious to that]. The time went too fast and we are looking forward to our next get together. We are thankful for one another. The grandchildren on the couch gives us thankful hearts; and Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed them immensely.
Grandpa LaMay