Merry Christmas from our family and from Il Granaio Church in Opicina!
May the peace and joy of Christ fill your heart in this season.

Luke 2:21-35

THE GIFT YOU CANNOT LOSE

Christmas is a season of waiting. We wait for many things: a bit of peace, a moment of rest, a gift, or even just a well-made coffee. But in the Gospel we meet a man who was waiting for something much deeper: Simeon, who was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.”

He wasn’t a spiritual superhero. The Bible doesn’t present him as someone who accomplished extraordinary deeds. It simply tells us this: his heart was turned toward God. And that makes him very much like us. Because we also live between expectations, questions, and challenges. We often find ourselves waiting, hoping, and moving forward one step at a time.
Simeon lived that same kind of journey. He waited faithfully, day after day, trusting that God would keep His promise.

He walked led, sustained, guided by the Spirit. And one day his long wait was fulfilled. He entered the temple, saw a young couple with a child in their arms, and he understood. Everyone else continued their day without noticing anything. But Simeon saw the gift others did not see.

He took Jesus in his arms and said:
“Now let your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation.”

This is the wonder of Christmas: God reveals Himself in simplicity. Not in noise, but in nearness. Not in power, but in humility.

Instead of searching for God in grand structures or extraordinary moments, He often reveals Himself in what seems ordinary, quiet, and easily overlooked.
It’s a bit like walking into one of those tiny hole in the wall restaurants here in Italy. From the window you see a nonna cooking, and at first glance nothing about the place looks like a real restaurant at all. Then you step inside and the husband comes to greet you. He doesn’t look like a chef or a restaurateur at all, and nothing about the place feels particularly impressive. But the moment you sit down and they bring out the food, you discover a world of unexpected warmth, flavor, and beauty.

Jesus came in that same kind of simplicity. Not with spectacle or earthly glory, but in humility and nearness. The treasure of God’s presence wrapped in the most ordinary appearance.

Christmas places us before the same choice Simeon faced. To walk past, or to open our arms.
Jesus does not ask for perfection. He asks for willingness. For trust. He asks to enter our lives not as an occasional guest, but as the Lord who brings peace, light, and direction.

Saturday the 13th – Among the Community of Opicina

On Saturday we participated in the Christmas market in the town center of Opicina, where our church is located. It was a wonderful opportunity to sing Christmas carols, greet people, and share information about our upcoming Christmas service on the 21st.

Mackenzie offered a live art demonstration in the square, and many stopped to watch, ask questions, and chat.

We are grateful for how the Lord gives us simple yet meaningful ways to be present in our community and to share His love.

Two Baptisms: Joshua and Giovanni

On Sunday the 14th we experienced a moment of great joy as a church. Joshua and Giovanni publicly testified to their faith in Christ.

There is something deeply beautiful in seeing a life say, “Yes, I want to follow Jesus.” Baptism is not a finish line but a new beginning. A simple and powerful declaration: “I belong to Christ.”

We thank God for them, for their journey, and for the testimony they shared with us. Let’s continue to pray for their growth in faith and for all that the Lord will do in their lives.

Our next special gathering will be on Sunday the 21st, our Christmas service.
A time to worship Christ, listen to the Word, and celebrate together the gift we cannot lose. Jesus, the salvation God offers to every heart willing to receive Him.

Thank You

Thank you to all who serve, pray, support, and participate. Like Simeon, we walk one step at a time, guided by the Spirit, waiting for what God continues to do among us and through us.

May the Lord fill you with His peace in this season.
Jesus remains the most precious gift, the gift you cannot lose.

With love,

~END OF THE YEAR GIFTS~

As the year draws to a close, we want to gently remind our supporters of the opportunity to send an end-of-year gift by December 31st. Your generosity throughout the year has made a tremendous impact, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support. Your giving enables us to carry out our mission. We look forward to another year of partnership and blessings, made possible by your unwavering commitment.

CHOOSE ONE OPTION BELOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY!

Comment

Privacy Policy