Christmas LIGHT in light of Recent Events

Let Your LIGHT Shine even more in light of these recent tragic events…
 “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”  — Albert Schweitzer

A few short days ago, our nation trembled.
The hustle and bustle of the season abruptly ceased.
All hearts united in disbelief, sorrow, and outrage.
This stolen innocence will have long lasting after shocks.
How do we function in the midst of the all consuming, “WHY?”
 
Yes, these are dark dark times.  But One has come who overcame the dark.
Jesus was born in another very dark time in history.
He came to  bring light.  To bring HOPE.  The Light of HOPE.
Though we may never know or come to terms with “The Why”.
We do know “The Who”.
Lets agree to not let darkness win. Let’s share His light of Hope.
After all is that not the real meaning of Christmas?
Many are hurting deeply.  We are.  Maybe you too.
Undoubtedly, few greater than the families of those 20 babies.
Even in your own darkness, you can be a spark to another.
A simple act of kindness.  A smile.  An anonymous gift to one in need.
An encouraging word.  A prayer.  A hug.  An act of service.
In doing so, your flame will grow.   Light will spread. Hope will win.
* * * *
We do have some personal connections in Newtown.  Look for ways to bring tangible direct HOPE to this community in 2013.  For now,  there is no greater way to honor the victims than to BE that spark.
   

  The Light shines in darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.  John 1:5
Thanks for the Light that You Have Spread in 2012
Thanks to you and your generous giving CitiIMPACT was able to help millions of people represented in 15 states and Liberia.  These folks were in hopeless situations from disasters such as Tornados, Hurricanes, Floods, Forest Fires, extreme poverty, and most recently Super Storm Sandy.  Well over 150 semi loads of supplies were delivered.  Hundreds of thousands of hot meals were served.  Hundreds of homes worked on.  Thousands of volunteers served.  Children in Liberia were fed and able to attend school for the first time.  Countless hugs, prayers, and lifelong friendships built.  Millions received HOPE in the midst of their personal times of darkness.
 In addition, we were moved beyond words  to see people “Pay it Forward”.  Passing on the spark of hope they received to help others in their time of need.  Almost half of the funding received so far for Sandy has come from Churches and ministries CitiIMPACT has served earlier in the year.
We were blessed to receive many personal Thank-you’s  from Church and Ministry partners following Sandy.  Following is one from Metro Ministries’  Bill Wilson.  Please take time to view others from the Youtube gallery.   Here is also one from JD to all of you.

HOPE is Possible! Thank YOU!
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.   Matt 5:16
May The Light of HOPE Shine Brightly In and Through YOU this Christmas and throughout the New Year,
 
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 Merry Christmas to all of you as we celebrate THE LIGHT of the world, Jesus Christ. 

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