Strong in Grace | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Strong in Grace | Previous Challenge Entry
By Elaine Hemingway
12/14/17
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Paul dreaded Christmas. It was worse than Sundays. Being a bachelor and not the most sought after he wondered if anyone would miss him if he died alone. That was why he was always desperate for company yet unwilling to share his opulent home. After all, others may not take such good care of his possessions. One thing he was willing to share was alcohol. It bought him time, you see. Christmas was worse than Sundays. He didn’t want to be alone.
Dieter felt sorry for Paul who had once confided to him that he was afraid of dying alone. Why would he be thinking of dying anyway when he was only sixty years old, nowhere near three score years and ten. They drank slowly while Paul’s maudlin self-pity took advantage of Dieter’s willingness to ‘have another for the road’.

Packing parcels, filling the pillowcases, putting out the mince pies and Christmas cookies for Santa kept Megan busy. Dieter would not be long. Surely he wouldn’t stay out too long on Christmas Eve. Surely everyone would want to be home with their families. If he had gone to the club, they wouldn’t keep the bar open, - would they?

One Christmas after another had been spoilt by the celebrations of the community – nothing to do with the birth of the Saviour of the world. She watched the sleeping children, innocent, excited, unaware of the drama behind their expectations of Santa’s arrival. She offered up a prayer –In ALL things, Lord?

*

Almira scurried along keeping to the side of the path hoping that the shadows of dusk would protect her from prying eyes. She had left the house while her mother was preparing the evening meal knowing her brother had already gone to his friends, no doubt to continue their terrible discussions about the growing secret community of Christians. The house she was heading for was in the next lane and everyone should be there by now. They entered singly and from different directions. Almira was late but that was alright for times were flexible and quiet worship would continue until all were present for the message of hope Pastor would bring. Christmas, and a time to rejoice in the birth of their Saviour. Oh, how grateful she was that she had been called by name. Her heart sang.

The shouts that erupted in the gloom preceded the flashes of light and then encroaching flames as smoke rose with the cries. Almira turned, tears filling her eyes, shocked again as someone blocked her way.

“You were going to join them, weren’t you, you infidel,” Her brother’s knife flashed while his words swam dizzily in her mind as she fell. “I will rather kill you myself before I own you as sister. Allah Akbar.”

Joined with Jesus, being rooted and built up in Him (Colossians 1:11) strengthened in faith.
Overflowing with thankfulness as Oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour.
Yielded to His glorious Grace knowing that as His possession, I need have no fear, for His will is perfect.
How blessed to be part of His family and to know His love.
Join with me and allow Jesus to Overflow You.

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