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​ From the Desk of Darlene N. Böcek Faith-building Fantasy, Sci-fi & Speculative Stories

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Let the Merry Holidays Begin!

As we enter into the season of Christmas, as we begin to focus on the birth of our savior, here are some wise words I read yesterday from Martin Luther’s Commentary on Galatians.

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“Wherefore, when thou art terrified by the majesty of God, or when thou thinkest upon God’s judgment, unless thou hast Christ, thou wilt despair.

Then straightway imagine Christ, the true and natural Son of God, given for thee. Then dost thou see the mercy, the goodness, and the infinite love of God, who gave His Son for thee.

Here the heart findeth rest; here is no fear, but sweetness, joy, and peace. 🕊️

Here the true God appeareth, who is infinite mercy and kindness.

In this way Paul would draw us from beholding the angry God, to the God who is revealed in Christ: that is, to the God who is gracious and merciful to all that believe in Him.”

Therefore begin thou there where Christ began, namely, in the womb of the Virgin, in the manger, and at His mother’s breasts.

For this purpose He came down, was born, lived among men, suffered, was crucified, and died, that in every way possible He might present Himself unto our sight and fasten the eyes of our heart upon Himself.

If thou do this, thou shalt easily avoid all such speculations about the majesty of God which terrify thee, and drive thee from God, and in the end bring thee to despair.

For ‘no man knoweth the Father save the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Him’ (Matt. 11:27).

Therefore begin with Christ, who is the very mirror of the Father’s heart.”

The idea of Christ’s condescension–him lowering himself to become man. Out of love. Behold what love! Philippians 2 tells us this humility led even to embracing death on the Cross–for us.

This condescension is touched on in both Trunk of Scrolls (as Byziana’s epiphany) and in The Last Noel (with Reuben’s teaching the meaning of Christmas to the kids).

I hope–as we move from a time of general gratefulness for all the blessings God has granted (Thanksgiving), to a time of contemplation for the greatest gift (Christmas)–that this thought remains with you.

He left the 99 in search of the 1. He would leave all the others in search of YOU! I love this part of the Audiobook of The Last Noel. Especially the sermon of the Lost Lamb as it is in the audiobook. He is not to be feared, but embraced as a loving shepherd.

So much to think about this Christmas. May it be a wonderful season for you.

By the way–I have exciting news to share next week.

ALSO– our new Christmas tree 🌲 arrived today. I’ll share that picture in next weeks email.

📸 Please send me your Christmas tree photo (or another Christmasy picture from your home) and I’ll post a compilation featuring the “beauty of Christmas” from our community.

Happy Christmastime!

yours,

Darlene

ABOUT THE BOOK: Ever feel like reality just… twitched?​
A noise in the walls. A shadow that shouldn’t move. A stranger wearing your face. A robot that suddenly hungers. A note from your child’s teacher hinting they’re not entirely human.

When the impossible barges into your life—crawling out of the washing machine, commandeering your starship, or rolling by in an ice-cream truck at dusk—this book is your only warning label.

Step into eight chilling, mind-bending alien encounters—from the terrifying to the absurd, from the awe-inspiring to the deadly.

Featuring the premiere Interceptor 7 military-space novella “Replica!”

Reality is glitching. Don’t look away.

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