I read recently of a five year old refugee child being shown the wonders of a large toy department store, by his foster parents. At first his eyes grew wide with wonder but gradually an expression of disappointment clouded his face. He began to search up and down the aisles. At last he burst out, “But where is the Child?” Somewhere in his past he had learned that, as our Bibles teach us, “Unto you is born this day…a Savior Who is Christ the Lord.” and that it is His birthday we celebrate at Christmas. Then, after an embarrassing silence, a discerning store official ordered a Christmas crib to be found and set up in a prominent place in the toy department. Seeing it, the little boy smiled with delight. As young as he was, he unknowingly gave a lesson to adults on the real significance of Christmas. As you give and receive gifts, please remember that He is the “indescribable gift.” to those who trust Him. Will He be in your Christmas this year?

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Great efforts are being made to take Christ out of Christmas. Because of “political correctness,” many schools no longer mention the Bethlehem Baby. The old Christmas carols are seldom sung, and the greeting “merry Christmas” is often replaced with “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons greetings.” Commercialism is supplanting Christmas. But the truth of Christmas cannot be erased. The angel’s message is still as much needed today as it was on that first Christmas day, because we are just as much in need of a Savior as people were then. Paul reminds us “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Matthew wrote, “And she (Mary) shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” The message of Christmas is still true and relevant. Luke wrote, “… behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Let’s keep Christ in Christmas. He is still the reason for the season.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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“We just felt nobody should be lonely at Christmas time.” Those are the words of Ann, from British Columbia. When I spoke to her last month, she said, “As my children grew, we talked about how we did not really “need” anything for Christmas, and decided to buy things for others.” Here are just some of the ways they give. Each child chooses a charity and donates to that charity. The family gives such things as Christmas dinner for 20 needy people. They have also, through a charity given chickens to a poor family in another country. Ann continued, “We felt so good to know that we had helped others.” This family exemplifies the true meaning of Christmas.Isaiah wrote, “For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given…” Matthew explained, “And she shall bring forth a Son and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Someone once said, “It is possible to give without loving, but it is not possible to love without giving.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Last month, PEI Transportation Minister Robert Vessey announced he is considering the possibility of increasing the maximum fine to around $1,200 for driving while using a hand-held device. Previously several radar triggered flashing speed signs were installed to encourage Island drivers to keep the speed limit. But God also flashes warning signals to us to smarten up. Sometimes He uses financial reverses, problems in the home or business, or illness to get our attention… Have any of these warning signs caused you to assess your direction in life lately? Paul warned, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” But with these warnings, He also gives us a way out, and hope, such as Jesus’ invitation. “Behold I stand at the door (the door to our lives) and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.” I urge you to avoid distraction, and slow down. Please think about the direction of your life.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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I read recently of a Christian farmer who had painted on his weather vane, the words, “God is love.” His neighbor, a skeptic, asked, “Do you mean that God’s love changes like the wind does?” “No,” replied the Christian, “I mean that God loves me no matter which way the wind blows.”. And that is a lesson which all of us need to remember. God is love, no matter which way the winds of adversity blow in our lives. When we are poor, when we prosper, when we succeed, when we fail, He is still there with His love. God loves us even when we hate ourselves. He sees the end from the beginning, while you and I see only our present success or failure. I am glad that God loves you and me. I know that from personal experience, but also from what He has written in His Word. For example, Paul wrote in the New Testament, “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” No matter who you are, no matter what you have done, God still loves you.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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The Atlantic Provinces are known for their many lighthouses, which in times past warned mariners of dangerous rocky areas. But surprisingly, there is a lighthouse in the middle of the Arizona Desert. There is no water to be found for 30 miles around. This lighthouse does not give a warning, but an invitation, because beside this lighthouse is a well of cool thirst quenching water. And I am reminded that Jesus Christ, Who said, “I am the light of the world, “ also gives an open invitation to all in this thirsty old world. John wrote in his gospel, “Jesus stood and cried out, if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” If you have been trying to get satisfaction by drinking at the world’s empty fountains and have found that your thirst is never quenched by money, success or pleasure, I invite you to heed Jesus’ invitation and come to Him. Millions have found that He alone can satisfy the longings of our hearts.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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The caption under the picture read, “Washington Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Baker examines patient Joe Marek.” 57, Marek, 57, had a facelift and eyelid surgery to look, it was said, “as youthful outside as he feels inside.” Cosmetic procedures more likely to be performed on women in the past, are now increasingly being requested by men. There is a legend involving Spanish explorer Juan Ponce De Leon’s search for the fountain of youth, when he travelled to what is now Florida in 1513. And men and women have frequently searched, usually in the wrong places, for that elusive youthfulness so they can live long long lives. The truth is that everlasting life is, available to all. The Bible, God’s inspired Word says, “And this is life eternal, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” The so-called “fountain of Youth, or eternal life, is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Want to live forever? Jesus is the only way.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Without a doubt, a sedentary life style is detrimental to health. The governments of many provinces are encouraging active living. Not surprisingly, we often see walkers and joggers. But though government leaders can advertise and encourage, ultimately it is the responsibility of the individual to look after his or her physical well-being. And so it is in reference to our spiritual health. The Bible speaks of taking care of our physical health but says that by comparison, it is more important to look after our spiritual health. The book of Timothy says, “… bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” And as with our physical well-being, so the decision to be spiritually healthy is an individual choice. Remember please that you and I are going to live somewhere forever. God has done His part by giving His Son. Now the choice is ours. “Whosoever will may come.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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Thieves in Marlborough New Zealand broke into a car parked outside a local auto repair shop and began crossing wires to attempt to steal it. But unknown to the thieves, the engine had been removed from the vehicle for repairs. Here is a lesson for all of us. Be sure there’s an engine aboard if we hope to get anywhere. Be sure that the locomotive is hooked to the train cars if we hope to move products along. And more importantly, we need to make sure that we have the proper connection to God, if we hope to make it into heaven some day. I know that because Jesus has said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Or to put it another way, if our lives are merely connected to religion, church, baptism or good works , we’ll not make it into heaven, because “It is not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy” that we are saved.” Are you connected to Jesus?

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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“Everyone has a story, and its exciting and inspiring to hear them.” According to Michael “Mikey” Wasnidge. Over the last six months, he has walked up to strangers and asked them if he can take their photo and invited them to make a comment for his Facebook, Perfect Strangers PEI. During that time, his Facebook has acquired almost 5,000 likes, or approvals. Many of us have met strangers who later made a significant impact on our lives. As an example, for some, Jesus is only an historical figure, they’ve heard about but don’t know personally. A gospel song says it well- “From a manger where He lay, To the garden where He prayed, I’d often heard about this Stranger. But then I opened up my heart and He walked into my life, Now we’re not strangers any more.”John tells us in his gospel, how to become part of the family of God. saying, “…as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, to those who believe in His name.” Are you family or stranger?

Pastor Alex Rockwell

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