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Sometimes in life we get things a little out of order. We get the cart
before the horse. Christmas is one of those times. Christmas morning is the
beginning of the celebration, not the end. Greetings in the name of our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We all have heard the line, you can’t win if you don’t finish. Yogi Berra
might say it this way, 90% of the cars that don’t finish won’t win the race.
At the driver’s meeting the familiar refrain is, “you can’t win the race on
the first lap, be patient.” You can however loose the race on the first lap.
Therein lies the problem, we tend to get so caught up in things that we
forget what is really important. Christmas is the celebration of the birth
of Christ. We mark that day as December 25, but we really don’t know. Let’s
try to take a different look at things this year. Let’s try to set
priorities right. Let us prepare to welcome and worship the king. That means
slowing down and thinking about the priority of things.
During the year there are many significant dates. On the racing calendar
the beginning of the season comes to mind. Daytona marks the beginning of
the racing season. For Christians, Christmas marks the beginning of the life
of Christ.
We race for the finish line, but how many of us race to the starting
line? The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming birth of our Savior.
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.
Isaiah helps us understand the character of our
Savior, wonderful, mighty, everlasting, giver of peace. It also helps us
understand the priority he should have in our lives, God, father, prince and
counselor. Isaiah told of the Savior yet to come. On the night of Jesus’
birth the angels proclaimed to the Shepard’s his arrival.
Luke 2:8-1; 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 Shepard’s left their flocks and went to
find this Savior. When they found him they went out and proclaimed his
glory. They looked for the beginning and made it a priority. The Savior is
coming, are we focused on the true meaning of Christmas? Will we run to his
side and claim him as our own or will we be too busy chasing after the
things of the world that keep us busy.
I have often thought of what I would do if an angel of the Lord came and
visited me. Do you remember Mary and Joseph? Each one received a visit. The
angel announced what would take place with each of them, Mary would be with
child and Joseph would take Mary for his wife. Together they would be
responsible for bringing a child into the world that would be the savior of
the world.
Would I embrace the call? Would I respond as Mary did “May it be with me as
you have said, I am the Lord’s servant.”? Would I be too busy to even
notice? We all have the decision to make. Jesus himself came to demonstrate
his love for us. Will we accept it? Will we even break away from our
busyness to notice?
Luke 2:4-7; Joseph went up from the town of
Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David,
because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to
register with Mary,
who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they
were there,
the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn,
a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no
room for them in the inn.
Christmas means nothing if we don’t have the
right focus. The race doesn’t end when we get there, it is the beginning.
This Christmas season take time to begin anew, take time to contemplate what
took place 2,000 years ago for you and me. For unto us a child is born, a
gift was given, a savior was born.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
MODIFIED HEARTS ARE BROKEN - This past week has been a difficult one for
the Modified community and the racing family as a whole. Two of the best,
pioneers in their own right, Hall of Famers, have left us.
Ron Bouchard succumbed to the ravages of cancer, but many didn’t know he
was ailing. Ron had that ever present smile, time for anyone and everyone.
Even a few weeks ago when he opened his museum he did his best not to let on
that he was sick. Ron will remain a fond memory in the hearts of many, his
character and persona will live on in our hearts. Truly we have lost a
special member of the racing family.
Joe Brady, such a tragedy. A young man without thought to the lives of
others struck Joe as he walked across the street. Joe was an innovator, one
of the last blue collar racers. His cars were driven by the best because he
always had a fast piece. You don’t need a fancy shop or hauler to bring a
fast car to the track. Joe knew how to build a fast car.
One of the many stories I remember about him was a night at Thompson,
when he blew an engine. There in the pits were members from four different
teams helping to replace it. They even carried it from the hauler to the car
because the engine hoist couldn’t get into the tight space. Why? Because Joe
would do the same for you and I. His heart was big and his love for life was
legendary.
Gone too soon are these two who blazed the trail for generations to come.
Don’t forget where you come from. Guys like Ron Bouchard and Joe Brady are
the reason modified racing is so popular. They deserve our respect and
admiration.
Our thoughts and prayer go out the Bouchard, Flemke, and Brady families
that are enduring the pain of this loss through the Christmas season. Please
except our deepest sympathies. We stand by lifting you up and ready to help
in any way.
MOTORSPORTS 2016 - Look for the announcement of the lineup for
2016. We have been in touch with several car owners and are planning a full
display of race cars for your enjoyment. I am looking forward to confirming
and announcing the line up in January.
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
www.rwjm.com. 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.
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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
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO:
RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
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