In Isaiah 9:1-7, it is reported that "In earlier times HE (meaning God) humiliated the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali; but now HE brings honor to the way of the sea, the region beyond the Jordan, and Galilee of the nations The people walking in darkness see a bright light; light shines on those who live in a land of deep darkness.


(But in a change of voice 2 sentences later....) You have enlarged the nation; you give them great joy. They rejoice in your presence as harvesters rejoice; as warriors celebrate when they divide up the plunder. For their oppressive yoke and the club that strikes their shoulders, the cudgel the oppressor uses on them, you have shattered, as in the day of Midian’s defeat. Indeed every boot that marches and shakes the earth, and every garment dragged through blood is used as fuel for the fire.


(Then back to the 3rd person reporting....) For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called Extraordinary Strategist, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His dominion will be vast and he will bring immeasurable prosperity. He will rule on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom, establishing it and strengthening it by promoting justice and fairness, from this time forward and forevermore. The Lord’s intense devotion to his people will accomplish this." 
LOOK OUT! Did the author suddenly have an inside conversation with someone or something else other than readers during this report? Middle Eastern living conditions are known historically to have a serious effect on mental functioning...you know?

Reminds one of Tevya in "Fiddler on the Roof" who has this ongoing conversation with the Holy One-Blessed be He, during his explanation-analyzing the deterioration of the political conditions of the Jewish community to the viewers of the movie. In the opening of the movie, Tevya insists that its all about "Tradition" that maintain the livelihood of the community. He proceeds to cite the neighborhood activities. He details about each family that his wife has found out about, he proudly talks about his work, his beautiful daughters and his dreams for them and then the wonderful priests who teach daily in the temple. Periodically in his frame, we hear him address something not present anywhere in view of the camera. When he talks about the Holy One, he looks up and demands to know why conditions are the way they are in spite of the faithfully held contractual agreement between he and this Holy One.

Tradition! Deuteronomy 30:1-3...the writer reports  "When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come upon you and you take them to heart wherever the LORD your God disperses you among the nations, and when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you." Tradition...or is it....Relationship?

I'm sure if Tevya had us for an audience and we challenged his theology, he might realize that tradition is only good enough when it is agreed upon by relationship! Because in Isaiah's report, Isaiah doesn't just stop and talk back to God, He is PRAISING HIM for the great works that have been accomplished on behalf of the people!  Isaiah says YOU have enlarged the nation; you give them great joy. They rejoice in your presence as harvesters rejoice; as warriors celebrate when they divide up the plunder! We can do the same!

The Psalmist David declares Praise the Lord; For HE is GOOD! And HIS MERCY endures forever! This holiday season, while you are celebrating in your traditional way, make your tradition to PRAISE the LORD! when you're going out, when you're coming in, with your children and your childrens' children. Remind them of God's goodness and that the Redeemer-Jesus has come to set HIS people free!

We have an active schedule here at the church. Come visit with us if you do not have a church home. We have room for all of the family; infants to seniors. Much of the community around us has been here almost as long as we have been. But we can truly testify of the Precense of the Lord by the Holy Spirit and His miraculous Power as we've waited on the Lord. The healing and restoration that has been witnessed among us is unsurpassed. It is so good to see people's needs mets and the growth in their lives! If you have prayer requests or other needs, call or email us  gracechapel@gracechapel.us.  Then we will see how the Lord meets your needs as He has met ours!

• Sundays        9:00 a.m. Sunday School
•                   10:00 a.m. Praise and Worship 
                                    (Child Care and Jr Church for the kIds)
•                    6:00 p.m. AWANA for the kids!!!
                                   Please invite your friends! 
• Wednesdays  7:00 p.m.  Winning Way Wednesdays