Hallelujah Alaska-Style

Starting off the holiday season, a West Coast friend sent me this Youtube video from a tiny Yupiq Eskimo Village of Quinhagak, Alaska. Beginning first as school computer project by the young man seen at the end of the video, it was intended to encourage the other Yupiq villages in the area. Surprisingly, the video has been viewed by over one million people.

Kiss under the mistletoe to Lou for sending.

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes: Heavenly Music

Worshipping God should be a daily ritual, but tis the season that makes children singing so beautiful.

H/T and Mistletoe kiss to Kevin!

Illuminate Your Gospel Life This Year

James Pepper’s childhood dream of spreading the Gospel is coming true: A modern hand-drawn Gospel available to all. Ardously handscribed, the Gospel of St. Luke is now available for the Ipad, Iphone, on Android and the Nook.

More on the Pepper Gospel.

Not since the 15th century has an illuminated Bible been attempted. His life’s work for over 19 years, James worked on the Gospel of Luke daily. James is a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church, in Dallas, Texas where President and Mrs. Bush also worship. James would spread the word on his project to every one he met in person and online, hoping that it would spark interest. Encouragement was offered and so many prayed that someone would recognize Pepper’s mission, his love of God, the depth of his endeavours, and be willing to publish his offering.

How fitting that coming into the season of Advent and Christmas, our prayers have been answered? The Gospel of Luke, telling us about the birth and life of our Lord and his miracles, is now available at Barnes and Noble. This Word of God, finely adorned, and scribed page by page, word by word, would make a wonderful personal gift to a priest, minister, or family member.

Mark: 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

For A Child Is Born

In a Fox News editorial, Rev Bill Shuler writes:

Christmas compels us to remember what matters most, in a world that too often forgets. The people and places central to the Christmas narrative have a message that is as relevant today as it was on the very first Christmas.

10 reminders at Christmas time:

1. Mary reminds us that even though you may feel vulnerable and shut out, God has not abandoned you.
2. The stable is a reminder that God’s blessings are often hidden in unexpected places.
3. The wise men remind us that God is often found where others fail to look.
4. A manger reminds us that God’s touch brings dignity to the ordinary.
5. A crowded inn reminds us that God only enters where he is invited.
6. The shepherds remind us that the good news of the Christ child came first to the lowly.
7. Herod reminds us that no enemy of the truth will triumph.
8. Joseph reminds us that each act of obedience is vital to the success of God’s plans.
9. The angel, Gabriel, reminds us that nothing is impossible with God.
10. Bethlehem reminds us that Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled with the birth of Jesus. (Micah 5:2)