It is hard to see where this year has gone, truly it seems that time is speeding up, another year has passed, and yet there is still so much left undone. I am reminded of a prophecy given by Rob Rufus a number of years ago “there is a speeding up of God’s time table and processes, what took 7 years would now take 1 year, what took 7 months would now take 1 month, what took 7 weeks would now take 1 week, what took 7 days would now take 1 day”

As I looked back over this year and to the New Year ahead, that prophecy has begun to ring again in my ears. Our prayer must be “amen—so be it ‐ make it so Lord”

We can however thank our God with sincere gratitude and joy at what He has done over the course of this year. Lives that have been touched, changed, and strengthened. Dreams and hopes that have been restored. Healings that have taken place.

The Christmas period is now upon us and in the usual mode people are rushing here and there, buying presents, arranging holidays, special dinners and family functions. Traditionally it is a time when people remember the birth of the baby Jesus. Yet we see Him not just as a little baby but as the Risen Saviour, Lord and King. Many would profess to be part of the Christian faith, yet perhaps Christmas Day will be the only time they attend a church meeting for the year.

True faith is not a casual remembrance or acknowledgement that Jesus was born at a particular time of year. True faith is the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Saviour, where that acceptance leads to a total reliance, trust and dependence upon Him, birthed not in academic information or knowledge, but in a real growing personal relationship.

Together our prayer, especially at this time of year is that people all over our city and nation would come to a saving knowledge and experience true faith in Jesus Christ. Let us take every opportunity to share the real meaning of Christmas with all those we come in contact with.

Thank you all for your involvement, support, love and prayers this year, we look forward to 2010 with great anticipation together.

God Bless You all – may you have a blessed Christmas.