HOPE

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth. Now the Earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 
Genesis 1:1-2

“Advent begins in the dark.” Though Christmas is called the season of lights, we remember that the story starts in darkness, longing for the light to come.  Genesis 1 opens with an image of chaos. Darkness, void, the Spirit hovering over the waters. Yet out of that chaos, God brings Creation. The first chapter of the Bible describes the work of His Creation. And the pinnacle of His work comes in verses 26 and 27, the forming of humanity in the image of God. 

Genesis 1:26-27  – Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So, God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female, He created them.
 
All of Creation reflects his glory. But only humanity bears His image. With that privilege comes a mission. God roots Adam and Eve in His garden as His representatives, entering a covenant partnership with them. “He will be our God; we will be His people. “Genesis reminds us of the fall in the garden that broke the covenant and eventually led to the world’s flooding. 

After the flood, God again planted the idea of hope in Noah and his family by assuring them He would not destroy the Earth again and promised to be with them if they chose Him. This covenant involved a commitment on their part to embody His character, His will, and His way of being in the world. 

Adam and Eve, Noah, and his family are chosen as representatives of God’s covenant with humanity. Even though they fail in their covenant mission, God is still faithful to His promise. Genesis 1-3 reminds us that what went wrong in the garden is set right through Jesus. Genesis 6-9 reminds us that even though sin is judged, grace provides the rescue. 

The ultimate fulfilment of this HOPE is found in Jesus. He takes the judgment of sin and becomes the expression of our rescue on the cross. From the very beginning, He has been our long-awaited hope. Today, because we are part of God’s promises, we are invited to experience and remind others that God has been with us and remains close to this day. 

The Reason.        

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Matthew 2:1-8


Christmas is just around the corner, and many people will seek to make Christmas 2023 their most memorable.  To some, Christmas means gift-giving and receiving. To others, it means children’s plays and pageants. Christmas to others includes family activities, decorating the Christmas tree together, get-togethers, and wonderful meals with relatives. Sadly, for too many, Christmas means overindulgence, drunkenness, debt, and even family anxiety. Worldliness has stolen the purpose of Christmas and even fanned the flames of hostility towards its true meaning and purpose.
    
King Herod was the first in a long line of people to become hostile towards the true meaning of Christmas. Scripture shares, “When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” (v3). The confirmation by the priests and teacher of the law that a messiah’s birth was foretold both alarmed and agitated Herod. He responded to this news with deceit (v7-8) and then hostility (Mathew 2:16, murder of innocent boys). Herod pretended to be a big fan of Christmas, but his focus was on himself and his future reign. 

Today, there is ongoing hostility towards the true meaning of Christmas. Christ came into the world to save sinners, which is the reason for the Christmas season. Truthfully, you can’t think about the stable without thinking of the cross; the two are inextricably intertwined. Telling people that the purpose of Christmas is about the salvation of the world is going to disturb a lot of people. Those most likely to be concerned are those who believe Christmas is all about giving gifts, going to parties, and singing Christmas songs. Now, this may sound Grinch-like, but scripture does not say, “We saw his star in the east and have come to give him gifts”, or “We saw his star in the east and have come to give him a party”, or “We saw his star in the east and have come to sing songs to him”. It says, “We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him”. The world behaves as if it doesn’t want to be saved and it doesn’t feel a need to worship a saviour.

Jesus said about Himself, Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” The truth is that every person, including those reading this article, needs a SaviourNicole, you and I are sinners whom God loved so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins and for whom Jesus willingly gave His life. God, in His love, provided a way by which we can have eternal life, forgiveness, acceptance from God and a relationship with God. Jesus puts it this way to a Pharisee named Nicodemus: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). What an enormous gift we all have received that first Christmas and that is worth celebrating. 

We can celebrate Christmas, but remember the reason for its existence, especially over these next five weeks. God wants everyone to be saved. Make prayer your gift to others, including strangers, asking God to intervene in their lives. When you are out and about, do what Jesus did: leave a place of comfort and look for those who need comfort. Listen to those around you, offer a hand, a hug, or a prayer. 

The Shield – download PDF

THE SHIELD 2023

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National Communion Call

The MCF is inviting you to join with many across the nation for a National Communion Gathering hosted by the CRY / NDOPs

Please plan to join us on APRIL 6th (3 pm ET) for our Annual National Communion Service (online) for Passover

2023
As we have entered into 2023, there continues to be a strong emphasis across the Body of Christ on the power of the Blood of Christ.
It is as though, while the nations shake and shift, there is a call from Heaven to continue to intentionally hide our hearts and homes under the covering of the Blood of the Lamb.
There is a pull in all of us to gather again for another time of humbling our hearts together before the Lord. We hope you will join us.
During the online gathering, there will be worship, prayer, special exhortation and communion together led by senior national leaders.
Click here to register now.
A link will be sent to all registrants to join live or watch the replay.
French translation will also be provided for those who participated via the Zoom webinar option.

God bless you and God bless Canada,
Faytene Grasseschi
Passover ’23 Host, TheCRY / NDOPs
 

AGM 2023

Saturday, 25 February 2023 the MCF will be hosting the Annual General Meeting (AGM).  Time TBD.  We will meet using the teleconferencing application called “ZOOM”. All members are invited to join us and if you are not a member yet support the MCF and receive this newsletter, you are most welcomed to join us as well. 

It is crucial that members attend the AGM and to help us ensure that the AGM proceeds smoothly,  pre-registration for attending is required no later than 24 Feb at 4:00 pm EST.  We will send everyone the zoom connection information Friday evening. Please reply to the MCF office. We do need your correct email address to be sure you can log in on Saturday 25 February, 2023. 

For the best experience please download the application to whichever device you will use to connect to the AGM. You should likely use a device that will permit you a viewing screen larger than a smart phone. There may be documents and power point viewing necessary during this meeting.  You can access the application either through your device’s application functionality or at this web-site – https://zoom.us/signup.

We know that He can do infinitely more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, so to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus in this generation and all those that are to come.  Blessings on you, chat with you soon. 

Sharing Life, Hope and Jesus on Alpha

It’s time to consider whom to invite to our next Alpha course. Registration is underway and we would love for you to join us on the online Alpha course the MCF is offering this winter.

The Alpha course is an excellent tool we use in accomplishing the core mission of the MCF, “to bring the gospel to the Military Community”.

If you haven’t been on an Alpha course, please consider joining us this February.  If you have been on the course, then talk to your military community friend or family member about joining us, we are using the online platform and there is plenty of room for everyone.

Watch the ‘trailer‘ then get out there and invite (virtually) your colleagues, your friends and your family, and register soon for the  MCF Alpha course. The experience will change them and you…forever

Are you ready to join us, is someone you know ready for an extraordinary life change? Here are the coordinates for the group:

Sunday, 05 February online at 7:00 pm EST 
Leading the sessions: Gerry Potter
Alpha Coordinator: Nicole

To register and for more information: Connect with us

WELCOME HOME INITIATIVE©️

This ministry helps to restore and find healing for any soul and moral injury you may have. The format of the program helps veterans and spouses understand the hidden impact of combat and provides a safe place for their emotional healing.  Whether you are suffering of any trauma or know someone who is, prayerfully consider joining others for moral support and care.  

You are invited to come to the next Welcome Home Initiative©️ taking place 7-9 November at Christ the King spiritual Life Center, Greenwich, NY 12834.  There is NO CHARGE for veterans or their spouses.  

To learn more, apply to attend, or to support this initiative:   www.ctkcenter.org

Registration for the Retreat: https://christthekingcenter.campbrainregistration.com  

In partnership with:

    www.accts.org

“Sharing life, hope and Jesus on Alpha in 2022 ” 

Sessions have started and we are excited to explore with friends, family and many the experience of seeing first-hand the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation. This encouragement helps the entire military community recapture the joy of evangelism. The MCF is offering an online Alpha where people bring their friends for a conversation about life, faith and Jesus.

Watch the ‘trailer‘ and pray for us as we connect with a group from across the country this fall. 

For more information don’t hesitate to contact at mcfoffice@themcf.ca

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Lt-Col Kevin Davis (Secretary)

It is a true honour to serve in our nation’s military in uniform.  Equally so, I am proud to serve on the leadership team of the Military Christian Fellowship (MCF) where I find my vocation and my ministry passions intersect.

Joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 2004 while enrolled in a theological studies program, my decision was by all appearances an impulsive one.  In fact, I recall the recruiting officer assuming I was enrolling as a Chaplain, only to realise I had no idea what occupation I wanted to apply for!  Though my heart was yet far from God at that time, His divine providence was clearly at work in guiding my steps into what has been a rewarding and challenging career in the Army as a Logistics Officer.

My desire to serve with the MCF is born out of my own experience of wandering for many years in search of success and ultimate meaning while confronted by the pain, struggle, and failures of everyday life. Existential questions led me back to the Bible, while the miraculous intervention of God in my life led me to believe and trust in Jesus Christ.  It is my desire to share the HOPE, JOY, and PEACE that I have found in Him with those whom I am privileged to serve alongside.