From the Pastor's Desk

From the Pastor’s Desk

“In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem … When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:1, 9-11)

At this time of year we are all wondering what gifts we should give to family and friends. Since passing on our faith is the greatest gift that you can give someone I suggest that you give gifts that express your faith in Jesus Christ and I have some recommendations for you.

The author Anne Rice has recently written three books which would be very appropriate for anyone on your gift list. Her newest book is called Called out of Darkness, a spiritual confession. This is her autobiography where she tells her fans about her growing up as a Roman Catholic child, her loss of faith as an adult, and her return to the faith she had lost. As a result of her reclaimed faith she wrote two novels about the life of Jesus. These are: Christ the Lord, out of Egypt, and Christ the Lord, the road to Cana. Any of these three books would be perfect gifts for your friends and family. And they would be wonderful treats for you to read this Christmas season.

Reading these books, for me, has been like discovering an old friend. Many years ago I read and loved Anne’s books about vampires and witches. As my relationship with Jesus Christ grew I stopped reading her books. Little did I know that Anne Rice was making a similar return to the faith that I was experiencing. And now I can rejoice because an old friend has returned and I can read and enjoy Anne Rice novels once again.

Merry Christmas
Pastor Jeff Howard