I made the visit to the attic, searched for the mystery bins that contain
the Christmas decorations and Lynda and I have been decorating for the
Holidays. I am sure many of you have begun to “Deck the Halls” yourself. But
fancy window dressing doesn’t cover everything. Have you prepared your heart
to receive Jesus Christ? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ.
We all know what it takes to prepare for a race, the effort that
goes into just getting the car to the track. We know how much work goes into
practice and making the necessary adjustments to prepare the car for the
race. That excitement, that anticipation is the fuel that motivates us to
race. There is no drug more powerful than excitement and anticipation.
Anticipation for what is coming gives way to an excitement; one of
the greatest feelings we can experience. Most times it is this, not the
actual event that we remember. It is that build up, that preparation, that
anticipation, that excitement that fulfills our desire.
Think about the days leading up to Christmas. The anticipation over
what you would receive. The joy of expectation!
Remember that movie "The Christmas Story"? Ralphie wanted one thing
for Christmas. Do you remember? An official Red Ryder carbine-action
200-shot range model BB rifle with a compass in the stock.
He couldn't live without it. He knew everything about it. He
dropped every hint he could and hoped it would be there on Christmas
morning. His anticipation and the excitement it produced filled the days
leading up to Christmas Morning. He couldn’t sleep; the day couldn’t get
here fast enough.
Do you remember the scene, Christmas morning, wrapping paper
everywhere, new toys, new games, bunny pajamas, but no official Red Ryder
carbine-action 200-shot range model BB rifle with a compass in the stock to
be found. The anticipation, the excitement was finished and the look on
Ralphie’s face said it all.
But there was twinkle in his father’s eye. What was that behind the
desk? Black Bart was thwarted and Sheriff Ralphie would ride again,
protecting his family and the neighborhood from undesirable elements.
His father made sure he received what he asked for.
Do we look forward to the Birth of Christ with the same
anticipation, the same excitement as a race or a special gift?
Isaiah 9:6; For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
We are now in the season of Advent, (from the Latin word adventus, meaning
"coming”); We live in expectation of the fulfillment of Scripture we focus
on being prepared for the coming of our Lord and Savior; the HOPE, PEACE,
JOY and LOVE the Savior brings.
Ask yourself, am I prepared to accept the gift that is given?
What happens when we don't give any thought to what God has in
store for us? If we don't take the time to read about the promise of a
Savior in God's Word? If we ignore the guidance and direction God provides
in His Word? If we fail to anticipate the blessings that God has for us?
Then what?
We are not prepared for the birth of Jesus; the coming of a Savior.
We will miss the significance of one of the most blessed events in the
history of man. We will lose out on the anticipation and excitement that
waiting for a special gift brings. Let’s take time to prepare, time to
reflect on the significance of the birth of Christ.
Christmas isn't about Santa Claus and reindeer. Christmas is about
Christ, it is the celebration of the best gift of all, a Savior.
The other night "A Charlie Brown Christmas" was on and my wife and
I sat down to watch it. We still enjoy watching the Christmas shows and look
forward to the day we can watch them with our grandchildren. Maybe you know
the story; it is not about all the trimmings, it is about Christ.
Linus read from the Gospel of Luke.
Luke 2:8-11; And there were shepherds living
out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone
around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of
great joy that will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the
Lord.
The
angels proclaimed the birth of a Savior, but how did the Shepards know? How
come they didn't just ignore them and reason it away as too much wine and
fun, maybe one too many Holiday Parties? They were expecting this night.
The prophets told them that this day was coming. They anticipated
this night for years, ever since they were told the words of the prophets.
The ones who foretold about a coming Savior. They excitedly awaited the gift
of a Savior and when the proclamation came they knew it was true.
The prophet Isaiah proclaimed;
Isaiah 7:14; Therefore the Lord himself
will give you a sign:
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call
him Immanuel.
The entire Old Testament points to the
coming of Christ. Isaiah said we would call him Immanuel, which means God
with us. The promise from God was a Savior; not only a Savior, but His very
presence with us. Are we prepared to welcome Him.
The presence of Jesus in our lives is there for the asking, a gift
provided by God.
Matthew 7:7-11; "Ask and it will be given
to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks,
the door will be opened.
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he
asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your
children,
how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask
him!
Prepare for His coming just as you would that gift you wanted
as a kid. We learned everything you could about it. We knew all the ins and
outs of it. There wasn't anything we didn't know.
How much do we know about Jesus? Do we know Him completely? Do we
know everything about Him?
That's what the time of preparation is for. Prepare to know Jesus.
Prepare to receive God's gift. It is truly a gift you cannot live without.
Don't let this time of year pass you by without taking time to prepare with
anticipation and excitement for the blessed event of Christmas; The coming
of Christ.
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
CHARLOTTE AND INDY - On the road again! I will be
headed to Indianapolis for the IMIS show and Dan will be headed to Charlotte
for the NASCAR Banquets. Stop by and see me, I’ll be in the Design 500 booth
helping out.
Dan and his wife Deb will be representing RWJM in Charlotte for the
Banquets. I am sure they will have a great time visiting with friends and
the race teams. If you are in either place, track us down and say hello.
VALENTI MODIFIED RACING SERIES CROWNS CHAMPION - While we
are away Bobby and Vinetta Somers will stay close to home and celebrate with
the VMRS in Springfield, MA on Saturday night. Jon McKennedy claims the
title for car owners Art and Ken Barry. Art has been around Modified racing
for many years and it is great to see him celebrate this championship, truly
one of the good guys. Our plan was to include Jon’s championship car in our
display at Motorsports but I am told it may not be ready; Art has some
medical procedures scheduled. Please keep Art’s recovery in your thoughts
and prayers.
NEW INDOOR RACING VENUE - While we are away covering other
events the TQ midgets will be racing in Baltimore, a new venue for them. We
will have a presence there as Wall Chaplain, Bib Menschner will be handling
invocation duties for us. We look forward to hearing about what I am sure
will be an exciting event.
MOTORSPORTS 2013 - Final commitments are being secured for
our display in Philadelphia this year. We are planning on adding a few new
items. We have a NEMA Midget coming along with a quarter midget. At this
time we have 2 Tour Modifieds committed and are waiting on a third. We
should also find out this weekend if we can add some K&N cars to the mix.
Our lineup should be finalized by the end of 2012, keep watch here for the
lineup.
We also are putting together a lineup of drivers for a Saturday
afternoon autograph session. Keep your eyes peeled for that announcement
also.
Remember to put Chapel service on your schedule, Sunday morning on
the main stage just before the show opens.
Take some time to sit back, relax and enjoy this special time of
year.
Until next time, be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals
and apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at
http://www.rwjm.com/store. Send us your prayer and counseling needs no matter
what part of our racing family you are in, or give us a call. Remember that
God loves you, we love you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
 Mail reaches us at Racing with Jesus Ministries, PO Box 586,
Tolland, CT 06084.
Check our weekly printed pages in "Area Auto Racing
News",
the East Coast’s largest weekly racing paper.
See our on-line Apparel
Store for subscription information.
Check our home page
www.rwjm.org for past
articles.
We invite you to input your thoughts as you sign our Guest Book.
Please remember, we can only do what we do because of your prayerful
financial support.
Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord
make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face
toward you and give you peace."
May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don
CHECKERED CHEERS
***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***
December 7
ANDY & SUE SANTERRE- From Cherryfield, ME, now back in Maine, the 1998 KNPSE
Rookie of the Year and 4 time KNPSE champion and lovely wife share their
15th anniversary.
RICHIE & MELISSA RESNER- Riverhead Raceway LM Team owner and wife share
their anniversary.
RAY & SANDI PAVKOV- Ray, one of our traveling chaplains and his wife Sandi
celebrate their special day.
December 10
JIMMY & TRACY CHESTER This Lebanon Valley couple celebrate their
anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
December 5
JAMIE TOMAINO, JR- Sonm of Modified driver and crewman from Howell, NJ.
BOB BERRY, SR.- Rivervale, NJ, Former modified and TQ midget owner and
driver, past president of the ATQMRA and current TQ owner for Bob, Jr.
December 6
JOHN BROUWER, JR.- New London, CT Thompson, CT Speedway NWAAS Modified
driver.
PERCY HALE- Batavia, NY Crew Chief.
KATHERINE ANNE HALEY- Daughter of McFalls, ME LM/NASCAR KNPSE driver Bruce
and wife Sandy.
PATTI MUDGE- Wife of Easton, MA former Pro 4 Modified owner Steve.
AARON PETFIELD- Son of Thornwood, NY RWJM KNPSE Pastor and Vice-president
Dan and wife Deb.
AMANDA UDES- The daughter of Morris Plains, NJ asphalt Mod driver John and
wife Laurie.
December 7
BRETT BENDER- Son of Colden, NY NASCAR KNPSE/LM driver Tim, now in NC.
CHAD WARNER- Member of the Beers Motorsports team.
December 8
CHRIS MOORE- Vermont based Lebanon Valley Modified driver.
KEVIN HARVICK- NNS/NSC driver and team owner.
KERRY EARNHARDT- Dale's oldest son; former CWTS driver.
FRANK MUOIO- Westerly, RI fan.
RUSS SMITH- Former Riverside Park Speedway scorer.
TODD PARK- Another son of Bob and Dottie and Steve's brother.
December 9
JORDYN DICKERSON- Daughter of Greg and Debbie, a mod fan in the making.
BRAD TEAGUE- Johnson City, TN NSC/NNS driver.
MICHAEL PARES- NASCAR Modified Series "Area Auto Racing News" photographer.
SHARON HEWITT- Wife of former NY Mod driver, now NSC Crew Chief, Doug.
BRIAN TAGG- T.I.S. modified driver & Spotter to SK light mod driver Troy
Talman.
December 10
JEFF KERTAINIS- NASCAR WMT team crewman.
ANDREA JIVANELLI- Wife of Riverhead Raceway driver Dan.
LYNN POZZUTTO- Office Manager and devoted employee of Frankland Racing
Supply Racing Rears and Clincher Gears; VP Dan's wife.
EDWARD SHELMERDINE- Son of ARCA driver/ Crew Chief Kirk.
December 11
JAROD ROBIE- Manchester, NH Robie Motorsports NASCAR KNPSE and All Pro
driver.
STEVE "WOODY" WOOD- Former Truex Crewman, now NSC crewman in Mooresville,
NC, also the son-in-law of Doris Bradley.
CHRISSY DIONNE- A daughter of RWJM West Coast Coordinator Gary and Counselor
wife Debbie.
RACIN RALPH PERKINS- A fan of Stafford, Thompson, Waterford and Maddog has
his big day.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH
RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
TheChromeHorn RWJM Archives
Racing With Jesus Ministries Website
|
