Editorials
"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against." Luke 2:25-34.
The entrance of Christ to this earth was an event heralded by angels and rejoiced over by shepherds. Among the celebration and miraculous manifestations was the prophecy by Simeon, a humble servant of God, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel." This divination may seem dull among a scene of brilliant heavenly jubilation, and to some it even sounds more like judgment, but a close look reveals a luster which should give us a deep abiding hope and peace.
It is true that as Christ lived out His earthly ministry, there were many in Israel who rejected Him and fell under the weight of sin while others accepted salvation and arose in righteousness. But the true message of the prophecy is that Christ is the constant in the equation of life. It did not matter how many people cursed Him, or how many praised Him, He was still the same Christ and was "set" or grounded in stability. The apostle Paul put it in these words, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." Heb. 13:8.
Last year the century closed with people in anxiety. You could actually even say there was Y2K hysteria. Some were making dire predictions of what would happen when the clocks rolled over to the year 2000. In some minds, the return of Christ was inevitable. But on January 1, 2000, the sun arose and people went about their lives just as on every other New Year's Day. The turn of the century provided no disruption to the plan of God.
At the end of this year another climax faces our nationãthe election of the president of the United States. Emotions are running high and causes seem desperate. This too will pass, and Christ will continue to rule in the affairs of man.
Let us remember, no matter what circumstances we might be facing, a part of the joyful Christmas story is the certainty that Christ is set for every eventuality. His presence within our hearts will bring peace and lift us above the changes and confusion of this world.
With thankfulness we report that during the month of November much progress has been made by Bro. Efrain Huerta and his son, Efrain, Jr., in reprinting the out of stock hymn book, Evening Light Songs. Many are waiting to purchase this hymnal and we will provide notice in the Faith and Victory when it becomes avail-able.
Recent communication has been made with Bro. Michael Smith who is with the saints in Ghana. He reports that he and his family are well. He also asked a continued interest in our prayers as decisions are made on how best to minister to the Church of God in Ghana, West Africa.
On November 29 my wife, Mary, and I marked our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. It is with a real sense of gratitude that we look back upon our years together and see how God has blessed us with many mercies. He has given us family to enjoy, friends to fellowship and purpose in living for Christ.
Many of the saints who played an important role in our lives have left this earth to enjoy the grandeur of heaven. Situations and circumstances which seemed important in yesteryear have faded into the past. Today there are different challenges, new faces and visions to be fulfilled. So we anticipate the future together which God has planned for our path.
Wall calendars for the year 2001 are in stock and ready for sale. These make nice Christmas gifts, and each features a colorful nature scene with a Bible verse for every month. The calendars measure 7 1/4" X 13 1/2" and are available for $3.00 each, which includes postage and handling.
Bound volumes of the 11 issues of the Faith and Victory paper for the year of 2000 will soon be in stock. The price is $5.00 per book, which includes postage and handling. Also soon to be ready for sale are Junior Beautiful Way yearbooks (52 papers for the year 2000) at $5.00 each, which includes postage and handling. The limited supply of these books will be sold on a first-come basis.
Income tax time is right around the corner. If you have contributed to this work during 2000 and need a receipt for the purpose of deductions, please let us know.
Our warmest wishes for a blessed holiday season in which Christ is the central focus. As God permits, we will again greet you through the medium of this Faith and Victory in the year 2001.
In Christian love, ãBro. Wayne Murphey
Prayer Request
LAã"I have crippling arthritis in my hands." ãSis. Sybil Goldsberry
OHã"Remember me in your prayers."
ãSis. Marie Hubbard
Nigeriaã"Dear Bro. Wayne: Please, I want to make a prayer request. I have a stomach problem. Pray for me to be able to stop heart-felt fears...." ãSis. Kate Nwaobi
INã"Please pray for my wife who has serious kidney problems and a heart problem."
ãBro. Donald Jones
MOãSis. Violet Sinkhorn suffered a stroke on November 9, 2000. Pray that she will have a complete recovery.
Sis. Lydia Bennett
Sis. Alscene Breckenridge
Bro. Jon Busbee
Sis. Mamie Butcher
Bro. Nathan Carver
Sis. Estelene Cramer
Bro. Daniel Davis, Jr.
Bro. Dale Doolittle
Sis. Elaine Dunn
Sis. Eleanor Fingerle
Sis. Esther Gordon
Bro. Huey Gordon, Jr.
Bro. Ben Harrison
Sis. Mary Hughes
Sis. Janice Johnston
Sis. Earnestine Jordan
Sis. Betty LasschÈ
The Lounds sisters
Sis. Mattie McIntyre
Sis. Bertha Miles
Sis. Virginia Myers
Sis. Dollie O'Neall
Bro. O. C. Porter
Sis. Melba Powell
Bro. John Robinson
Sis. Rose Samons
Sis. Myrtle Savoie
Bro. Rudolf Schmidt
Bro. M. Agenemoh Sidi
Sis. Violet Sinkhorn
Sis. Kay Stover
The Mitch Taylor family
Bro. Curtis Williams, Sr.
Bro. Max Williamson
Sis. Esther Wilson
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