GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

A few days ago my nephew dropped by the house. He had driven from Hamilton for business in the Ottawa area, and had a package from my Dad for us. I opened it up and there was a stack of books; a stack of identical books – one for each of our children and grand-children. This is a very special book. It is a children’s Christmas book titled "Maggie the Magic Sleigh" and the author is my mother.

Christmas was Mom’s favourite time of the year. She loved everything about it. She loved the hope that the birth of Christ represents. She loved the peacefulness of a quiet winter’s night. She loved the joy of family, of friends, and of sharing her gifts with others. Most of all, she loved to share her love for Jesus with everyone she met. It was for these reasons she decided she wanted to write a book about Christmas.

She had been working on the manuscript for a few years and about two years ago she sent me a draft to review. I really enjoyed the story and was thrilled that she continued to want to share her talents. As the manuscript neared completion, she began searching for a publisher and last summer found one. Before she was able to take the next step, God decided that her work on earth was completed, and took her to be with the angels.

If Mom’s dream was to come to fruition, it would be up to her family. Two of the grandchildren took the lead and soon the book began to take shape. The illustrations were all done by family and friends, including two professional artists and one budding artist – a great-grandchild. Finally, just after Christmas, the book was published under the name "G.G. Corbett" – for Great-Grandma Corbett. It was wonderful to be part of a project that sought to honour one who had given so much for us.

God’s Commandment tells us to honour our father and our mother. To honour, is not a passive verb – it requires action.

In our text, Paul adds that this is the first of the commandments to come with a promise – a promise for a long and prosperous life on earth. That is an amazing promise and something worth holding close to our hearts! It is definitely something worth acting upon.

Even more amazing is the promise of eternal life that God has given us through the sacrifice of his only son – Jesus Christ. Truly this promise is something worth sharing with others.

As a congregation, we are embarking on a new journey, and we have spent some time reflecting on what we need, and want to see in a new Pastor – and that’s fair. It is also a good time to reflect on what our community needs to see in us; to consider what we can do to bring the Gospel to those who so desperately need it; and to honour our Father in heaven by actively being his light right here in Orleans.

"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!"" Revelation

5:13 (NIV)

Amen.

God Bless,

Donald