An Extraordinary Event ...

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ we sometimes get lost in the trappings that have attached themselves to this day and forget the extraordinary grace that surrounded the event.

I have a friend who is a pest control man. He searches out and eliminates various types of vermin. He presented an idea that is amazing to me.

Sewer rats live in an environment of slime and filth. They are content to live in the sewer and would be uncomfortable living in our world … forsaking the filth with which they are comfortable.

Wouldn’t it be an extraordinary event if one of us … humans … would decide to go down into the sewer, live with the sewer rats and attempt to better them and their lives with the idea of saving them from their plight and eventually inviting them into our world? Disgusting idea … isn’t it?!

Isaiah had the privilege that only a couple men had of seeing into heaven. He wrote in Chapter 6, verses 1-3, “I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’”

Can we, as humans, wrap our arms around such majesty. Can we imagine the God that created everything and keeps track of everything and is used to bands of creatures continuously praising Him? Many people in the Bible have said that God and Heaven are beyond our ability to reason or even wonder.

Now lets read Philippians 2:5-8, “ … Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!”

God looked upon us … sewer rats compared to heaven … and said, “I love you too much to let you perish. I will set aside the glories of heaven and come abide with you … and I will save you from yourselves. In fact, I will become a sewer rat so you can learn how to live and how to leave your sewer.”

The best we have to offer the Baby in the manger is filthy rags … but, He loves us just the same. Can we do any less than honor that love and love Him back.

Let us never forget the sacrifice He made for us … to come live with us and show us the way. Love that Baby Jesus with all your heart and marvel at that extraordinary event.

Merry Christmas and God Bless you all!

Larry Abele – Editorial Team

A Great Experience .. A Wonderful Legacy

Recently I officiated at the memorial service for a very dear friend, fellow worker and father-in-law to my son. It was an experience I will long remember.

Dr. Glen Doornink was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, beloved physician to many, and a dedicated man of God.

I am reminded of Dr. Luke’s observation about David in the 13th chapter and 36th verse of Acts, "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep and was buried with his fathers …"

What a wonderful legacy to a selfless man that hundreds of co-workers and former patients .. patients crossing many color lines, but treated equally .. attended his memorial.

What a wonderful legacy that 7 children, 36 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren all serve the Lord.

What a wonderful legacy that he will be remembered in Romania and Yugoslavia where he assisted me on several missionary trips.

And what a wonderful legacy that 8 of his grandchildren have been part of the team that helped us with the language camps in Slovakia and Poland for the last 6 years.

Dr. Doornink was distinguished by his many professional accomplishments over 40 years, by his love for his family and by his service to mankind while walking this earth. He always put the health of the people over the importance of making money.

And now, like David, "having served his own generation by the will of God, he has fallen asleep and been buried with his fathers …"

A wonderful legacy .. a marvelous man .. Dr. Glen Doornink.

Paul Weresch