Romans 15:12-13 12 and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the gentiles; in him the gentiles shall hope.” 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our family's Christmas story: 25 years or so ago a young couple with two small children were worrying about how they were going to get through this Christmas. The children were off playing in another room as mom and dad were cleaning up the supper dishes. What are we going to do? Will we have enough to pay the bills and still have money left to get the children some gifts for Christmas?

There was a knock at the door and the wife went to answer it. There was a kind looking older man wearing an overcoat and hat. She said “can I help you”? He asked, “is this the home of the Miller family?’ “Yes, it is” she answered. He then handed her an envelope and said “Blessings to your family and Merry Christmas.” He turned and walked away.

Her husband came to the door and asked who was at the door. She said I don't know. I didn’t recognize him. They opened the card and couldn’t believe what they found. There was around $300.00 inside of the envelope. They were so happy and relieved. They now could pay the bills and still have money left to buy the children some Christmas gifts.

She said, “I have to call mom and tell her what happened.” When her mom answered she began to tell her. “Mom, how did he know our name, where we lived and that we needed help?” Her mom said, “it doesn’t matter how and why but just say thank you Lord.” Mom said “I think you had a special visit from a Christmas angel.” We have retold this story every Christmas and that is why we call it our Christmas Angel Story.

Prayer: I believe in the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit and the heavenly angels. Thank you Lord for watching over us all and thank you to the heavenly angels. At our time of need you are with us. Amen. - Norma MacGregor