Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

I recently spoke with a man who grew up on a reservation. He asked me how I was doing and I gave to him the normal reply. He said to me, "You look like you're carrying a heavy burden, man." This man was a Christian who faced many difficulties in his life. He carried the story of his life in his eyes. In his eyes I could see joy and sorrow. He went on to say to me "I do not speak my heart to a lot of people but I think I have a word for you." I then felt nervous regarding what he was going to say. He said when he was a young man be began to use drugs and drink. At first it was fun to live like a "warrior" but his life style took him to jails and prison. He wanted desperately to stop but he could not find the will power. "Little Bear" got out of prison and had no place to go. His last resort was his grandmas' house. Now she was a devout believer in Christ. When he arrived at her house he settled into a drug and alcohol free routine, yet shame assaulted Little Bear for his failures in his past.

Grandma saw Little Bear's sadness and told him to go outside and find a small but unique rock. He wondered if she had lost her rocks. He came back into the house and she told him to hold it tightly in his hand. She told him "close your eyes and think about your burdens and past." She then said to him in a whisper, "Little Bear ... let the rock go, drop your burdens and your past with it, into God's care."

Little Bear then handed me a rock and he said to me, "Brother, give your burdens to this rock and let them go ... give them to our Lord."

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-30)

We thank God for you, and we ask for your prayers for us and thank you for the earthly gifts that you have provided to allow this ministry of mercy to continue. Please continue to pray for our flock and Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

May the beauty of heaven consume you,
Fr. David Ogan