"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
- Luke 2:10-12
In a remote village in Central America the word got out among the peoples of the region that one of the American missionaries that had served this country for many years was about to return to the US to live our the remaining years of her life.
The nationals desired to honor her for her years of service with a public time of appreciation. News of the event went to all parts of the country in which the missionary was known to the people. One very old and very poor man walked to the ceremony over mountainous terrain for 4 days to bring his gift to the missionary.
The gift consisted of 2 coconuts, but it was all the man had. The missionary recognized the man as coming from the remote village in the mountains.
"Brother, I cannot believe that you would walk so far to present me with this gift," said the missionary to the man.
His response?
"Long walk part of gift."
"Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago."
- Tom Baker
I looked for Christmas everywhere,
Through snow-filled skies and winter's air.
I hunted in the likely places ---
The festive shops, the children's faces.
I searched for Christmas day and night,
In sprigs of holly, candlelight;
In gifts gay-wrapped and friendly greeting,
Yet found it not, and time was fleeting.
And then --- with a sudden start ---
I thought to search within my heart.
And there --- not lost, but warm and waking ---
Was Christmas, mine just for the taking!
- "The Search" by Emily Templeton
"I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good - sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for - will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of."
Jesus - as recorded in The Gospel of John chapter 10
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A discussion about Truth and Reconciliation with two members of the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, and a member and Chief of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation.
To find and watch other parts of this video series, visit the playlist at:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsFiYkm76UF_Jrx2dFpJLuBqbUJ1NXNPA