Greetings and Merry Christmas from Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center!
I love this time of year between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Christmas music on the radio, Christmas lights around town, Christmas parties and visiting friends and family, some that I haven't seen since last Christmas.
I like to look back over the past year and reflect on the many different events that happened both in my life and in the world. This has been an active year for both. Sometimes, actually many times, it is easy to get wrapped up in the disasters and the big world events that question how God could let this happen and we lose sight of the little things that meant so much at that time.
Also during this time of year I start to reflect a bit further back, to early in my life, to the many mistakes I have made. It's funny how easy it is to remember the mistakes and the bad things, rather than the joy and blessing of the past. I start regretting decisions I made and sins that I committed long ago, back in high school and college. I get really wrapped up in those past sins and can get depressed or discouraged. I'm sure that I don't stand alone in reflecting on the past.
At those times, what a comfort it is to see our Savior in the manger, knowing that this babe born in Bethlehem came to save me from those sins I did today and the sins from long ago. Advent is a great reminder of the sacrifice that God made in order to free me from the guilt and shame of my sins.
As you go through this season of Advent and Christmas, take time to reflect on all the ways God provides for our Country, for our Churches, for Pioneer and for you. God does provide and He has forgiven you and has forgiven me of the sins that we have done.
I love walking down by the lake, looking out and reflecting on the love that God has for me. I love to look out at the vastness of the lake and knowing it doesn't even compare to the vastness of God's love for me.
I look forward to seeing many of you in 2012. Come on out to Pioneer and walk by the lake with me and reflect on the love that God has for you.
Merry Christmas And Happy New Year,
Rev. Alex Knowles
Executive Director
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I love this time of year between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Christmas music on the radio, Christmas lights around town, Christmas parties and visiting friends and family, some that I haven't seen since last Christmas.
I like to look back over the past year and reflect on the many different events that happened both in my life and in the world. This has been an active year for both. Sometimes, actually many times, it is easy to get wrapped up in the disasters and the big world events that question how God could let this happen and we lose sight of the little things that meant so much at that time.
Also during this time of year I start to reflect a bit further back, to early in my life, to the many mistakes I have made. It's funny how easy it is to remember the mistakes and the bad things, rather than the joy and blessing of the past. I start regretting decisions I made and sins that I committed long ago, back in high school and college. I get really wrapped up in those past sins and can get depressed or discouraged. I'm sure that I don't stand alone in reflecting on the past.
At those times, what a comfort it is to see our Savior in the manger, knowing that this babe born in Bethlehem came to save me from those sins I did today and the sins from long ago. Advent is a great reminder of the sacrifice that God made in order to free me from the guilt and shame of my sins.
As you go through this season of Advent and Christmas, take time to reflect on all the ways God provides for our Country, for our Churches, for Pioneer and for you. God does provide and He has forgiven you and has forgiven me of the sins that we have done.
I love walking down by the lake, looking out and reflecting on the love that God has for me. I love to look out at the vastness of the lake and knowing it doesn't even compare to the vastness of God's love for me.
I look forward to seeing many of you in 2012. Come on out to Pioneer and walk by the lake with me and reflect on the love that God has for you.
Merry Christmas And Happy New Year,
Rev. Alex Knowles
Executive Director
Share|
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