from the editor
Don’t Stop Believing! In spite of all that did or did not happen last year, believe. In spite of what God did or did not do in your life last year, believe. In spite of the economy, the recession, layoffs and unemployment rates, believe. In spite of disappointments, and all of the ups and downs, still believe. Believe ‘what’ you may be asking? Believe that we serve an ‘in spite of’ God. In spite of everything, believe that God is on your side. In spite of what it may look like or how it may feel, believe God is still in control. In spite of any shortcomings and sometimes missing the mark, believe God loves you unconditionally. In spite of fear, shaken faith, and lack of trust, believe still that God is who He says He is. In Luke Chapter I, Mary the mother of Jesus was told by Gabriel that she would conceive a son the Lord Jesus. Mary took him at his word and believed. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call
his name JESUS. 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. In spite of the odds and what Mary knew in the natural, Mary believed. Because she believed we have a living Savior. A living Savior whose birth we celebrate every Editor-in-Chief year at Christmas As believers we know Jesus is the reason for the season. You may have mixed emotions about the year coming to a close, this year may have been challenging. But I encourage you, “Don’t Stop Believing.” Instead of focusing on the year gone by, purpose in your mind to celebrate the season with your whole heart. Instead of focusing on the past, purpose in your mind to make this your best Christmas ever! The best Christmas ever is a time of good cheer, holiday festivities and celebrating with family and friends. The best Christmas ever is not getting the perfect gift, it’s getting the true meaning of the season; the birth of Jesus!
Jackie Epps
Have Yourself a . . .
Merry Christmas! www.gracenglorymagazine.org 7