On this Christmas -Love, Joy and Everlasting Peace

What a historical day...For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given... As I meditate on his word this morning, I couldn't stop noticing the impact Christ made on earth and more specifically, in my life. The words that came to my mind are... redeemed, favored, forgiven, peace, and joy--that is not of this world. When you're going through a valley of shadow of death you learn a lot about God --His peace, healing, strength, resurrection power, mercy, etc., and at the same time how weak and inadequate I am -- as someone said "glorified dirt!" Jesus came to the earth for a purpose and although he knew the suffering and sacrifice that was required, He served with joy. What a humble beginning -- like Levi says "smelly stable with cows and sheep :)" but how glorious was His redemption. It is his love that changed the world, and he paid sin with His life, so I can have life and life more abundantly. His agape love can transform lives and it has certainly done that in my life. Although my love is still failing, His grace is sufficient. The challenge that my family and I will accept on this Christmas day is not only walk closer with Him but also to let His light shine upon someone else.

We're at the hospital but I thought we had one of the memorable days. Since we didn't get to go home, we tried to bring home to the hospital! Jen did a good job of organizing everything. We didn't let our journey get us down because to be honest, we are in a better situation than lot of parents on this floor. We had many folks that were treated yester-years come by with presents for Lukey and Levi, and it was nice to see them doing well. We tried to order out but most of the restaurants in Georgetown were closed so we had our Christmas lunch by courtesy of Subway "eat fresh!" Our Sri Lankan friends, Trevor and Dhammika, are bringing dinner for us, thanks guys.

We are grateful to all of you for your continued prayers and support. We are the most blessed people on earth to have the love and support of our team, who have rallied around us in the last 5 months. Like I said before, when you're going through hell, the heaven is worth the journey with people like you.

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas -- let Lord's favor be with you and may you be granted love, peace of mind, and joy.

With love and best wishes.
Fernando's

John the Baptist
And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Mark 1:7)

Isiah the Prophet
"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isiah 9:6)

Mathew
Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us." (Mathew 1:21-23)

Luke
The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end. "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:28-38)

Mary's Song
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers." (Luke 1:46-55)