Ultimately the King of the Universe humbled Himself to take on human flesh through one Jewish woman. How is it that so many acknowledge the birth of this baby in a manger? How could this seemingly insignificant event in Bethlehem repair the world?

These past few months not only the United States, but also the global community has spiraled downward both economically and morally. I feel helpless to repair anything. We may feel small and unable to make a difference but God does not want us to depend on our own puny power but rather on His ability to effect His Tikkun Olam. The Lord used the birth of a baby to influence this world from the bottom up not the top down. Like never before this is the time that God can use us to be repairers of the world on His behalf. We believers can shine like lights in the darkness.

We are all called to plant seeds. Seeds are small things - I don't need to stuff a tree down someone's throat. Since Hanukkah begins Sunday night, December 21^st, we can send our Jewish friends Hanukkah cards and let them know that we are thinking of them during this holiday season. For music lovers, we could invite our friends to hear a wonderful concert of Messianic music like Handel's Messiah. Or just give an encouraging word to the bank teller, the grocery clerk, the waitress who is serving us to let them know that Messiah is the Light of the World.

I pray that during this time of Messiah's birth and the Feast of Dedication that God will use you to plant many seeds in season, seeds of hope and love in the lives of your friends, family and neighbors.

Thank you for standing with us during these difficult times. Together we can be God's instruments to restore the world back to the Light of the world. Y