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I hope this message finds you filled with the warmth and blessings that only God's love can bring. As we enter this Christmas and holiday season, let us do so with grateful hearts, recognising the immense love and grace poured out through the birth of Jesus. May this season be a time of reflection, worship, and sharing the good news of Christ's birth with others. May it also be a time to practice our faith in Jesus. This season is a great opportunity for our church to be a beacon of light to our community. As we enter a new season, I think it is essential for us to reflect, also, on the incredible power residing within us—the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to reach out to others and be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.

Reflecting on the early church, we recognize the immense power they possessed through the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 reminds us of Jesus' promise to his disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This same power is available to us today.

Therefore, our challenge as a church family is to seek the Holy Spirit earnestly. Let us open our hearts and minds to be vessels through which the Holy Spirit can flow to touch the lives of those around us. May we not settle for a lukewarm existence but ignite a fire within, desiring a revival and renewal in our personal spiritual lives. Imagine the impact we can have if each individual in our church community embraces the power of the Holy Spirit. Lives could be transformed, hearts could be set ablaze with passion for serving others, and miracles could become the norm. It is through this power that we can effectively share the love and truth of Jesus in a broken and hurting world.

As we strive for spiritual growth and revival, let us also remain mindful of Jesus' words in John 14:15-17, "If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." Seeking Jesus diligently and following His teachings, is essential to unlocking the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

May this be a season of fervent prayer and seeking God's face. Let us encourage one another, praying boldly for the Holy Spirit to bring renewal and empowerment to every aspect of our lives and our church. Together, we can be a force of love, light, and transformation in our community.

Let us move forward as a unified body, filled with the Holy Spirit, and ready to be used by God for His purposes. As we seek the Holy Spirit and Jesus, let us trust in God's promises and eagerly anticipate the revival and renewal He has in store for us.

Please join us this Sabbath at church for a special Baptism Service, followed by combined lunch so please bring plenty of food to share.

In His power and love,
David Peñate