Chaplain's Corner
Post 43 Chaplain Donna Callaway
Two significant holidays are coming up this week: Hanukkah and Christmas.
Hanukkah begins on December 18, and goes through December 26, and Christmas is on December 25.
Both are celebrations that focus on miracles and a victory, because of and given by God.
Hanukkah, also referred to as the Festival of Lights or Feast of Dedication, is a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees in reclaiming the temple that had been desecrated by the Syrian-Greeks. It is also the commemoration of the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, where although the menorah on the altar only had 1 day worth of oil to burn, it burned for 8 days. God took the little bit of oil that they had and multiplied or extended it. He did what looked impossible. Both of the things celebrated and remembered during Hanukkah were miracles!
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus; Immanuel, God with us. God came down to be with us on Earth in human form, being birthed of a virgin, to reconcile with us and be the sacrifice that covered all of our sins forever. His given name was Jesus, or in Hebrew Yeshua, meaning savior. Up to the point of His death on the cross and His resurrection, spotless lambs were sacrificed to cover the sins humans couldn’t avoid after the fall that happened with Adam and Eve. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb that covered and saved us forever. He brought victory to us. Jesus coming was a miracle, and changed everything.
Both of these celebrations are reminders of the power of God and the fact that nothing is impossible for Him. He can do anything; He can make a way where there seems to be no way, just like He did in bringing a victory to the Maccabee’s, just like He did in making oil last 8 days, just like He did when a virgin became pregnant, just like He did in overcoming sin and death.
You may not see it now, but God has a way. His ways are often different than what we expect or imagine possible- so even in the uncertainty, even when it looks impossible- know He has a way. God is faithful. He is a way maker and miracle worker. Hanukkah and Christmas celebrate some very significant miracles of God. And He is not done- He is the same yesterday, today and forever! Miracles of God aren’t only in these two celebrations, or even just in the Torah and Bible. God still does miracles today.
I pray that you see and experience the miracles of God this holiday season and are in awe of His goodness, power, faithfulness, and love. I pray that He shows you who He is in bigger ways than you ever imagined were possible! May the miracles of God bring you great joy and celebration!
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for our members who may have silent or anonymous prayer requests, as well as those who may be mourning or suffering at this time. We have lost several members of our post recently- please continue to keep their families and loved ones in your prayers, and reach out to check on them if you can.
Prayer is powerful and God hears!
As always, if you need prayer or support, please know there are several ways to reach your chaplain. There is a prayer request form you can fill out here: https://form.jotform.com/ChaplainAL43/prayerrequest
You can input as little or as much information as you are comfortable with.
You can also reach out directly to chaplain@post43.org if you'd rather do that.
There are also chaplains for the sons, auxiliary, and riders that are available as well.
If you want to pray but are not sure how to pray, please reach out too. We are happy to guide you to pray alone also!
It's ok to not be ok. You are not alone.
The Suicide and Crisis Hotline is also available 24/7: dial or text 988
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
May peace and comfort surround you. May you and your families be well physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. May God make His presence and love felt in your life, now and always. Shalom, and many blessings to you all!
With Gratitude,
Your Chaplain, Donna Callaway and Assistant Chaplain, Rocio Palmero