🌎 Season of Joy & Longing

Love Letters from the Abeggs:   "…to those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May Mercy, Peace, and Love be multiplied to you." (Jude 1:1) "Joy to the World" and "O Come Emmanuel…" Some Christmas seasons I find it easy to marvel at, soak in and rejoice over Christ's Incarnation which initiated His earthly journey to the cross, His resurrection and ultimately our Salvation. During these times the hymn "Joy to theWorld" rolls effortlessly off my lips throughout the season of Advent. …However, during other Christmas seasons, this being one of them, I find myself living in the light of Christ's redemption yet longing, yearning for His return as I whisper the lyrics to "O Come, O Come Emmanuel": "…O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel…" I live, hope, rejoice and celebrate in Christ's accomplished mission of redemption, restoring our fellowship with God, instead of leaving us in our sin. Still, we live in both the "now and the not yet." The now of salvation & open fellowship with God and His Holy Spirit, in the midst of the not yet experiencing the physical presence of Christ our Lord and the end of sin's curse on creation such as the sickness and death our family has experienced over the past month. (Thank you to all who continue to intercede for Claudia. She continues healing, is enjoying time with our boys and we trust in the Lord's guidance over the coming weeks and months.) Ultimately, we look forward to the consummation of His Kingdom, the eventual death of death and a final end to all illness, tears and suffering of any kind! I find a realistic, earthy, even gritty comfort in the words of "O Come Emmanuel" (God with us). A recognition of Sovereign God's incarnation in the infant Christ whom we celebrate, and the redemption of His sacrifice on the cross for our sins. But this hymn has a haunting longing that echoes throughout, a pulsating hope and anticipation, a leaning forward in His mercy, and looking towards that same infant's return as our conquering Lord to finalize His kingdom for all eternity. This is our eternal hope, and present "…peace that passes all understanding." (Phil. 4:7) I pray that during this Advent season, you will experience both the JOY and PEACE that can only be found in our Savior, as well as the ANTICIPATION of His eternal Kingdom Come! Prayer Requests from the Field: On the field, please be praying for a few groups of leaders and projects we're working with in preparation of changes in the coming year. Concerning one project in particular please pray that we'd be able to form a functioning board to carry it through some important transitions which could potentially bless and assist multiple partner ministries and provide in various ways for future missionaries to the field. Pray for the leadership team that I've mentioned in multiple newsletters would be able to work together well and provide the direction, care, vision and encouragement needed both in relation to our national partner ministries in seven different Central American and Caribbean Countries. Pray for our family as we continue to walk through the grief and administrative needs following my mom's passing, and work (rest) towards Claudia's anticipated recuperation. All of this even as we lay plans for the coming year. Thank you for your prayers, care and financial partnership as we wind down a very eventful year and look forward what the Lord has prepared for 2024! Merry Christmas to you from the Abegg Family! (Yeah, this pic is 8 years old but I still love it!) Join our Team Our work with and through believers in Central America is only possible with your prayer and financial support: Prayer Team: Send us note to let us know you're praying for us, and let us know how we can be praying for you. Financial Support Team: To join or learn more, visit: Abegg Missionary Support Page Give via US Mail: Send a check with an accompanying note stating: "For the Abegg Family" to: 205 Regency Executive Park Dr. Suite 430, Charlotte, NC 28217 Give Via Phone: Dial 800-825-5896 and talk to a very helpful person. For past issues of our newsletters and other posts visit our Blog.