2015 December

Volume 8 / Number 6

THE LAMP NEWSLETTER

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105 KJV).
MRS. WANDA J. BURNSIDE, Founder and Publisher
MINISTER SANDRA HICKMAN, International Ministry Leader: Australia
FIRST LADY CHRISTINE V. MITCHELL, International Ministry Leader: UK
Contributing Writers: AUTHOR RAMELLE T. LEE, MRS. MICHELE BARNES
Special Introduction of Contributing Writer: PASTOR RAYMOND NSALANGE, Australia
MR. SIMMIE LEE BURNSIDE, JR., Manager
MINISTER MARY EDWARDS, Editor
MISS SHANNON CROWLEY, Typesetter and Graphic Designer

STOP IT!

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STOP IT!
Dear Readers,
Im mad! Im upset! Im angry! Im fed-up! Oh, yes I AM! I have
VERY GOOD reasons to be so irritatedANGRY!
It is CHRISTMAS! It is the time of year to hear AND say the right
greeting:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I dont want to hear and see:
Seasons Greetings
Merry XMAS
Happy Holidays
Yuletide Greetings
Santa Time
and NONE OF THE OTHER ridiculous and stupid greetings for CHRISTMAS. I hate to hear
these greetings! They all get under my skin! I dont care how politely and sweetly these greetings
are said by someone, I CANT STAND IT!

STOP IT!
All year long, from January to November, the other holidays receive recognition for what
they represent:
January 1st / Happy New Year Day
February Happy Valentines Day, President Abraham Lincolns Birthday, President
Thomas Jeffersons Birthday. We even have Ground Hogs Day on February 2nd!
March St. Patricks Day
April April Fools Day
May Mothers Day, Flag Day and Memorial Day
June Fathers Day
July Independence Day or the 4th of July
September Grandparents Day
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october Columbus Day and Halloween Happy Halloween

November Veterans Day and Happy thanksgiving. I must say thanksgiving gets tossed
around with turkey Day, which is to block out the emphasis on giving thanks to God.
But when December comes, nobody wants to offend someone, because it isnt correct or
politically correct to say, MERRY CHRIStMAS. the reason why is because we are to be careful
not to step on other peoples toes just because of my beliefssorry! Its Christmas! So, Merry
Christmas to you!

STOP IT!
What is so truly ridiculous is we celebrate our own birthdays. We plaster our names on
everything so everybody knows it is our big day! Our birthday cake has our name boldly
printed on the fancy frosted cake. our name is showcased on the enormous colorful birthday
banner thats hung so everyone knows its our birthday! All of our birthday cards are addressed
to us! The gift tags surely better have our name attached to them!
At Christmas, we are not even saying, Happy Jesus Birthday or anything. We dare to say
that at all! I can just imagine the looks on the faces of folks. Theyll think you dont have to
go that far

NEGATIVITY TOWARDS THE NATIVITY

Readers, when I was looking for a Nativity graphic or photo for the
front cover of this newsletter I saw some horrifying things online.
there were distasteful and unbelievable scenes posted on several
websites. It is hard to believe what is out there!
I was determined to find a Nativity picture for this issue. I spent
hours and days going through website after website looking for
the right one. As I looked at picture after picture, I noticed something so shocking! I was
amazed to see how tiny the baby Jesus is in the manger! It is disgusting!
You can barely see Him! Jesus was just a piece of hayor among the pile of hayso deeply
laid inside the heap of hay. In other photos or graphics, He was the tiniest of all shown in the
picture! The animals were recognizable, but not Jesus! Oh, you could clearly see the horses,
cows, sheep, goats, and even a baby chick next to his mother the henBUtJesus was so
teeny. This is a shame!
Christmas is all about our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He came to us! God sent
Him to us! It makes me cry!
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The photo that you see on the front of our newsletter is very important! I saved this to
my files for over 10 years. When I saw it online, I was drawn to it. I could feel something so
special when I looked at it.
Well, to my surprise I discovered that there is a warning online stating that this photo will
be REMOVED and DESTROYED! It will soon no longer be available. This warning stated that
this photo is hated by many!

PLEASE SAVE IT, READERS!

I praise God that I saved it. I was unaware of this evil plot!

JESUS IS LORD! JESUS IS KING OF KINGS!

WARNING: We are in the last of the
last days! Jesus is coming again! He
wont be a baby in the manger! He is
coming!
Revelation 17:14 KJV states:

These shall make war with

the Lamb, and the Lamb shall
overcome them: for he is Lord
of lords, and King of kings: and
they that are with him are called,
and chosen, and faithful.
STOP IT!
Get serious.
The King of Glory will return!
He is coming!
Give your heart, life
and soul completely to the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Dont wait until it is too late!
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Lowly King
He didnt need to find a place
All decked with silver and gold,
Adorned with riches and splendour
Too wonderful to behold.
He didnt seek the praise of man
Or a life of fame and glory.
He came to earth as love, unveiled;
His life became a story.
The darkness of this world could not
Prevent His light, so holy.
From heaven, He came, the Prince of Peace;
His heart was meek and lowly.
The wise men saw a bright light shine,
Announcing the birth of a King;
They knew the Babe was heaven-sent
And brought their gifts to Him.

Contact Information:
www.expressionspoetry.com

Vol.8 No.6

Jesus, Saviour of all mankind,

Gift from God above;
The King of kings, new life would bring
To a world in need of love.
How wonderful! How precious, that
Gods righteous, holy Son
Should come to show us how to live
And the people we could become!
All He seeks is a place within
Our hearts, where He may dwell,
For Christ is the reason for Christmas The story we love to tell.
(c) 2014 Christine V. Mitchell
- Ministry Leader the UK

www.facebook.com/ForeverGratefulPoetry
www.facebook.com/ComfortandHopePoetry

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MINISTER SANDRA HICKMAN, Ministry Leader

The Lamp Newsletter Headquarters - AUSTRALIA
Greetings from AUSTRALIA
~ The Cross of Christmas ~
Dear friends, Christmas is upon us once again. How quickly 2015 has flown by! Every
year goes faster! Its time for the world to celebrate Christmas... with many different ways of
celebrating. The birth of our dear Savior Jesus is always a big part of Christmas, even for nonChristians.
I want to give full honour and glory to the man on the cross. Yes, it was Jesus the man on
that cross. Born to live for us, and born to die for us; fully God and fully man, taking away the
sins of the world. Jesus died as a man with the sins of man upon Him, then rose triumphantly
as the deified son of the living God to show us the way, the truth and the life to follow! Oh
hallelujah! Now, this is a good reason to celebrate Christmas - To celebrate the greatest GIFT
of all time!
Celebrate with family. Enjoy the fellowship of friends and beloveds. Yes! There will be
Christmas dinner and giving of gifts, lots of goodies on the tree! I wish you all a blessed,
Merry Christmas!
But take some time to celebrate the life which Jesus birth-day gave us. Our salvation,
with the true and better gifts than the brightly wrapped Christmas presents. Celebrate His
purpose and callings in our lives..... Celebrate that He chose you!
Christians and non- Christians alike will gaze upon beautiful Christmas trees admiring the
lights and the lustre, with the baby Jesus in the manger beneath the tree. But at Christmastime, many forget to remember when He hung on a different tree.... the cross. Beloveds of
God, this year when we are fondly reminiscing around the Christmas tree, celebrating the
wondrous birth of Jesus....

Let us also remember the Cross of Christmas!

The Cross!
~ Lord, You knew I needed the Cross and the healing it would bring. Well, I have
discovered the Cross. I have seen behind it. I have seen the many corridors and rooms
that are behind the cross. You gave me eyes to see that which was invisible.... the
depth of the cross! The cruelty and the beauty of the cross. O my God.... my Jesus!
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You didnt have to! How could You? Thank You! Thank You ..... what small
meaningless words these are compared with the Cross and all that it represents. I dont
know what to say at this point. Just let the tears fall. Dearest Jesus.... I think of Your
Hands and Feet... the cruel nails, and of the pain. You chose the cross so that you could
choose many, You chose the cross, so that You could choose me!

Forever grateful ~
In remembrance of the greatest gift of all time, the above is excerpted from my book entitled ...
- THE LETTER - Copyright 2013 / Revised 2015 SLH

CoNtACt INFoRMAtIoN:
Email: sandrevival@yahoo.com
Facebook: facebook.com/sandra.hickman.503

A New Song Is Born

by Ramelle T. Lee 2004

Sing a new song written on the wings of cherubims.

Let your voice be heard in the heavens.
Jesus has given you a new song to sing.
He has set your soul free.
Christ has delivered your soul from trouble.
Sing a new song written in glory.
Where the sound is sweet to Jesus.
He has given you a new song to sing.
Let your heart surrender to His blessed will.
Angels applaud as praises go up.
Satan is upset at the thought of your praises.
But, God is pleased and thats all that matters.
Sing a new song to your Father in heaven.
Watch and see how God smiles at you!
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O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me (Psalm 30:2 KJV).

WE ARE PRAYING FOR THE SICK and SHUT INS

Ms. Kathryn Mitchell, the UK

Mr. Michael Crowley

Mother Barbara Lee

Evangelist Vera Beauford

Miss. Regina M. Palm

Pastor Lorna La Marr, the UK

Mr. Michael Barnes

Minister Charlestine Herbin

Mrs. Michele Barnes

The Palm Family

Mrs. Katie Holloway

Mother Lurene Brooks

Mother Esther Mitchell, Jamaica

Ms. Angie Barney

Mrs. Shirley Hickman, Australia

Ms. Nadine Stately

Mr. Colin Hickman, Australia

A young man who asked for my husband to

pray for him (no name given).

Mr. Simmie Lee Burnside, Jr

Evangelist Ruby Combs

SPECIAL REPORT FROM OUR CONTRIBUTING WRITER AND POET:

AUTHOR RAMELLE T. LEE

STAND WITH
PROPHET KIM CLEMENT
DETROIT!
On Labor Day, September 7, 2015, International Prophet
and ministry leader, Kim Clement, was stricken with
bleeding on his brain. He was rushed to the hospital and
received immediate medical attention as his family, his staff
and the church continued to pray for a miracle. Prayers for
his healing and deliverance reached around the world. the
people of God bombarded heaven in a powerful force.
After weeks in the hospital, God raised Prophet Kim up.
He was blessed to come out of the hospital, receive continued
medical help for his further recovery, and to be in contact with
his ministry. God allowed him to have time with his beloved
family during Thanksgiving. However, Prophet Kim was rushed back to the hospital again
when he became ill. It was discovered that he had another attack of bleeding in his brain.
While the medical teams are doing what they can for him, Prophet Kims ministry continues
to fight in faith. They are not alone. Other warriors have come together in unity and strength
to pray for Prophet Kim and his family.
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I am thankful that I was included in the Detroit area gathering for prayer and support for
Prophet Kim. I have been a part of this ministry for several years. What is happening to him
concerns me.
On Saturday, November 28, 2015 I was blessed to join with some of his major leaders and
supporters at Faith Christian Church, 24201 Outer Drive in Melvindale, MI.
Reverend Frank Julian is the pastor. the worship leader and host was Jean Mehi.
Apostle Ellis Smith, pastor of Jubilee Christian Church, was one of our guest speakers. My
dear friend, Missionary Loice Funderburg of Detroit attended this powerful meeting with
me.
Through and by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we were instructed to stand firmly upon
seven Biblical passages to pray over Prophet Kim Clement. We will pray heaven down and
speak in authority over his life.
I was so touched and moved when I saw Prophet Kims boots displayed in this service.
We were blessed by knowing; when boots are on the ground it changes everything. Prophet
Kims boots were sent from his ministry for this Stand with Kim Detroit event.

Let us stand together and decree:

PROPHET KIM CLEMENT
WILL RISE AGAIN!
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The Church of God in Christ, Inc. is in National Mourning

Mother Ruth Mason was the last child to die of Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, the Founder
of the Church of God in Christ. For more information please contact the Headquarters of the
Church of God in Christ, Inc.

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DEATHS
My Dear Cousin,
Mrs. Johnnie Mae Campbell Johnson of Southwest Detroit, MI
Johnnie Mae was a devoted wife, loving mother, precious
grandmother, dearly loved family member and loyal friend to
many. Please pray for her dear husband, Mr. Brad Johnson, Sr. and
their adult children: Brad, Jr., Deborah and James, Sr. (Angie),
her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her five brothers and
their families. Pray for the entire family of which Simmie and I
(Wanda) are family members, too.
********************************************
Yvette Wilburns families have suffered two deaths, back-to-back in their
family. Our prayers are with the Wilburn, Garner and Sisko families in the passing
of these precious young ladies:
Mrs. Teleshia Garner Sisko of Ohio Young wife and mother
Ms. Lillian Garner of Detroit Very young lady
Pray for the loving parents of teleshia and Lillian
Mr. John Garner and Mrs. Christine Garner.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our Wedding Anniversary

Simmie Lee, Jr. and Wanda J. Burnside

43rd Wedding Anniversary
1972-November 4 2015
We give God all of the glory!
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BIRTHDAYS!
November

HAPPY BLESSED 100th BIRTHDAY

Mrs. Burneice Morgan of Detroit, MI
November 2 Birthday Memorial Mrs. Lorraine Gardner
Beloved mother of Darlene Gardner, Mrs. Michele Barnes and
Daniel Gardner

December

December 2 - Great Niece, Naomi June Palm Happy 2nd Birthday!

December 10 - Mr. Bruce Toussaint of Florida

Birthday Memorial
BISHOP EARL J. WRIGHT, SR.
December 10, 1929 June 10, 2015
Pastor- Greater Miller Memorial Church of God in Christ
Jurisdictional Bishop- the Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
Southwest Michigan Church of God in Christ, Inc.
Former General Board Member the Church of God
in Christ, Inc.

December 15 Missionary Gertrude (Trudy) Hansberry

December 17 Evangelist Vera Beauford
Author/Poet Louise Bannerman
December 18 - Miss Hannah Pettiford of North Carolina
HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY!
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SPECIAL ARTICLE: .January 2016 Issue of the Lamp Newsletter

Praying By Divine
Revelation
By Pastor Raymond

Call to me and I will answer you, and tell you great and
unsearchable things you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV).
Evangelist Raymond Nsalange is currently the senior Pastor at Jabez Ministries
and Missions International in the city of Kwinana Western Australia. He
is also Founding Director of the DIVINE CUTTING EDGE MINISTRIES
INTERNATIONAL, (DCEMI) based in Florida, USA.

- Graduating from -

THE KINGS COLLEGE

In Bertram Western Australia Is:

Isabella LEcluse
Year 12 Leavers Graduation Ceremony
December 9, 2015
It is with great joy and pleasure that I announce the
graduation of my lovely 18 year old granddaughter
Isabella. Her family and I are so proud of Isabellas
achievements.
Isabella was awarded :
The Kings College Certificate Of Graduation
The Year 12 Achievement Award in Bible and Christian Studies
The Metro Worship Academy Award
The Bronze Award; Of The Duke Of Edinburghs International Award
The Harvest West Bible College Graduation of Certificate IV in Ministry

On behalf of our family - We are so blessed to see the hand of God in Isabellas life.
Lamp Ministry Leader Sandra Hickman, Australia
- All glory to God!
Was it not My hand which made all these things.... Acts 7:50
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BIBLE FOR GIRLS 4-12 years old Update Report

Praise the Lord! At the 4th Annual Treasures from Heaven
Christmas Bazaar held on Saturday, December 5, 2015, girls
received a FREE BIBLE! This was one of the special activities
at the annual bazaar presented by Author Ramelle t. Lee
and me, Wanda J. Burnside. God blessed us tremendously.
12 more Bibles will be given to girls before Christmas!
this will be a total of 23 Bibles given to girls. thank the
Lord!
I sincerely thank the wonderful people who have joined to
help in these efforts with their generous financial donation
and great support. In 2016, a hundred Bibles will be given
to girls. treasures from Heaven will have a Spring tea Party
for girls and, at that event, girls will receive a free Bible.

Write the vision, and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it... Habakkuk 2:2

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But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency
of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

Author and Speaker, Minister Mary D. Edwards

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services for both the seasoned and first-time author. Services
include instruction in workshops and private consultations, as
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LAMP NEWSLETTER

Vol.8 No.6

Christmas Traditions, Memories and Testimonies

Reflections from our Ministry Leaders:
Author Ramelle T. Lee, Contributing Writer, the USA
Minister Sandra Hickman, Australia
Mrs. Michele Barnes, Contributing Writer, the USA
First Lady Christine V. Mitchell, the UK

Merry Christmas!
The following pages of heartfelt stories
written by the ministry leaders and the
contributing writers of the Lamp Newsletter
are heartwarming.
You will be blessed by what they share from
their heart and experiences.
We welcome your feedback.
May God bless you.
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My Favorite Christmas Tradition

By Author Ramelle T. Lee

December is one of the busiest times of the year for me. Its like no
other season of the year. I can be found browsing for Christmas items
online, through magazines and on store shelves. I am always searching
for creative gifts, displays and items needed for our annual Christmas
Bazaar.
Since 2011, our ministry, Treasures from Heaven Ministries,
have been devoted to hosting this annual event held at the
Courtyard Marriott in Dearborn, MI. Co-Founder, Mrs. Wanda
J. Burnside and I work hand-in-hand ensuring the theme, Jesus
is the Reason for the Season. However, we could never accomplish
the success of our Christmas Bazaar without the Lord, along with
the tremendous support of dedicated members of our families,
devoted friends and the marvelous hotel staff.

Do I Need a Warehouse for Storage?

I faithfully watch for the mail express trucks that are constantly delivering packages to my
house months before the Christmas Bazaar. With all of the hustle and bustle going on at my
home, my postal service lady is always shocked when she doesnt have to deliver packages
to my home. However, she already knows that I have several other ministries that require a
huge amount of magazines, mail orders and packages.
So, where do you store the tremendous mountains of tissue papers, bags, ribbons,
embellishments, boxes, stationeries, novelty gifts, frames, flowers, greeting cards, specialty
gifts, Christmas displays, and other items? Well, the answer is, you shift things around
everywhere you find space in the house! Your family already knows that they have to walk
through the maze of things during the few weeks before the Christmas Bazaar. However, they
hang in there with you knowing that all good things will come to an end.

Thank You Participants, Guests and THE LORD

We, Wanda, our vendors and I, celebrate the Christmas season every December by using
our gifts and talents to reach people. We want to touch their lives and give them hope. We are
determined to show them the true reason for the season which is... Jesus Christ.
Many people look forward to attending our Christmas Bazaar. I am so blessed and excited
to see how they join in and celebrate this special Christmas tradition of mine. Most of all, I am
thankful to the Lord for allowing Treasures from Heaven Ministries opportunities to share
the love of Christ Jesus with others. through our ministry of encouragement, we strive to
provide unique and meaningful products to reach out and touch others who desire to know
Gods love for them. I rejoice knowing this brings them hope and healing for their heart.
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My Favourite Christmas Tradition

By Sandra Hickman - The Australia Ministry Leader

I can still remember the traditional Christmas dinners of my

childhood. With all the trimmings! The Christmas pudding with the
silver threepence and sixpence coins (way back in the day!) .... actually
I never did like Christmas pudding, I only ate it to get those coins! But
those grand dinners have given way to a more practical and casual
way of dining. No more slaving over a hot stove in extreme heat cooking and preparing a
big hot dinner! Christmas is hot in Australia! Its summer-time,
with temperatures soaring around 38 Celsius, thats over 100
Fahrenheit!
No snowmen here, or warm fires glowing in the hearth. No
snow on our front pathways, just searing hot concrete driveways.
We dont wear coats, boots and warm mittens... Just the opposite!
Here its kids in their swimsuits - they almost always get a new
one for Christmas (thats tradition here!) Splashing in a swimming
pool or running through the sprinklers on the wet grass.
traditionally, there will be a bbq, and roasted meats. Delicious salads, my mothers famous
home made dressing, stuffed croissants, creamy potato bake, pasta bake and other yummy
things. Scrumptious desserts! Pavlova and cheesecake, little Christmas cup cakes, fruit salad
and Christmas trifle, all served with whipped cream. Chocolates wrapped like tiny Bon-Bons
will be shared around. No warm eggnog for us, its cold drinks in big glasses filled with ice!
the air-con will be pumping and the kitchen fans will be on, we will mumble a few times
(quite a few) about the heat, saying, Wouldnt it be lovely to have a white Christmas! We
will have way too much food and fun, reminisce, tell tales and laugh until it hurts! We will all
swap presents. Wrapping paper will be flying everywhere around the Christmas tree amidst
the happy squeals of the children!

THE BIRTHDAY CAKE!

But my favourite tradition of all time was the Birthday

Cake... When my older grandchildren were little, my
daughter would bring a birthday cake for Jesus, with candles
and decorations on top. A tear or two would sneak from my
eyes as their sweet little voices angelically sang out...

Happy birthday to you.... happy birthday dear Jesus....

happy birthday to you!
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Then they would blow out the candles! As they grew older, the birthday cake seemed to
stop. But this year, I want to bring it back! We have a new baby boy, a two- year-old toddler
named Judah, my eighth grandchild. Time to re-start my favourite tradition!
A chocolate cake I think! With white butter frosting and a message in red jam lettering
saying, Happy Birthday Jesus... with coloured candles! Sounds perfect to me! Some of
those pretty little shiny silver cachous balls, with tiny Christmas decorations of teeny weeny
little ornaments and a little silver cross. A cake just for Jesus.... celebrating
HIS birthday! The day when He arrived in simple obscurity. The living
gift of the New Testament, bringing the promises of God with Him.
Inspiring the prophet Isaiah when he looked into the things of God
and saw something, which no-one back then could ever have known or
understood....... to say, For unto us a child is born!

Yes! This is my favourite family Christmas tradition

~ Happy Birthday Jesus & Merry Christmas to one and all! ~

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Joy Comes in the Morning

By Mrs. Michele Barnes of the USA

Waking up to a new day has changed me! I used to get out of bed
turning on the news report on television or the radio. then I would get
dressed, make up my bed, and then head to the kitchen to start coffee.
Within that first hour, Im confronted by horrible news of shootings
in my surrounding area, car-jacking, a Congress that wont act for the
good of the people, and even the weather reports of another storm heading my way!
Before my coffee has even begun to perk, Im stressed by so much bad news! Suddenly, I am
completely off schedule and rushing to get things done! But, Psalm 30:5 speaks of a joy that
comes in the morning. Thats what I really need!
Ive decided to wake up and first thank God for my new day!
Now I wake up early, before getting busy and burdened. Instead
of the News, I now turn on my Pandora gospel channel to listen
and sing praises! Hearing praises like, Jesus Will Work It Out!,
My God is An Awesome God! and then these old-time songs:
Glory, Glory, Hallelujah, since I laid my burdens down! And I
love this song, Hold onto His hand, Gods unchanging Hand,
build your life on things eternal, hold to Gods unchanging
hand. Gospel Artist, Vicki Yohe, has a great selection of
songs that I enjoy singing, along with on my computer!
A cell phone or radio can also offer choices of praise and
worship music!
So, now by the time I pour my first cup of coffee,
Im feeling truly blessed. the news to start my day
is based on Gods promises! I invite
you to try it! Praise early!
Start your day with your
full armor of God! Live
by Ephesians 6:11 (KJV):
Put on the whole armour
of God, that ye may be able
to stand against the wiles
of the devil.

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Touched by Love ~ Treasures of Christmas

By Christine V Mitchell - The UK Ministry Leader

As the Christmas season comes around again and traditional songs

and music fill the air, so do memories fill my heart - memories that speak
of a time when my dear loving father was alive. Just one sentence into
my story and tears now fill my eyes. In my childhood years, from the
age of 5 months right up until I was nine, my sister and I were both in
care at a large childrens home in the countryside, in East Anglia, some 83 miles from
London where my father lived. We only got to see him on occasions when he
was able to visit us. He was my only parent. our mother had become terminally
ill and passed away when I was 18 months of age. It was while she was in
hospital that we were placed in care at this home a large stately mansion,
with beautiful surroundings - a place of many warm and fond memories.
Back then, Winter was really Winter. Thick snowfall outside was picturesque,
like beautiful Christmas cards. We enjoyed playing in the snow outside, building snowmen,
having sledge rides on a slippery slope, or sitting by a warm coal fire indoors, watching the
glowing coals gently burn. Sometimes we did have a `white Christmas.
Living so far from the childrens home, my father was only able to visit us from time to
time. I cannot remember how frequent his visits were, just that they were special, treasured.
on the day of his visits, a careworker would stand with us in the long lane which ended at the
home, so we could see when he arrived by car. We waited in eager anticipation of the moment
his small blue Ford Anglia would appear in the distance, looking tiny until it got closer and
closer, then we would jump up and down with excitement and smiles, followed by a calm and
reserved happiness at having him with us for the day.
the lane that led to the home held other memories too, especially those of Christmas Day.
All the children were smartly dressed and we were taken outside by careworkers to wait in
the lane for the arrival of `Santa with a truck full of presents for all the children. We waited
and waited, eager eyes glued to the distant view, until, at last, we saw the open-top truck
appear, travelling very slowly towards us, with the big figure of a man, dressed in red and
white. He sat on top of the truck which was filled with wrapped presents, large and small. We
were all so excited! Once he arrived and stepped down from the vehicle, staff helped to carry
all the goodies inside and placed them around a tall brightly-decorated Christmas tree in the
centre of the front hall. We were guided to sit in a special area nearby, our busy little minds
wondering which presents were ours. Parents and carers sat on the opposite side to where we
sat and watched and listened to us sing Christmas carols, and also joined in.
My sister and I felt so very special, because Daddy was there. Afterwards we were allowed
to open our presents such an exciting time! Then later there was a Christmas party.
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I somehow dont remember Christmas dinner there - just the fun of the
party, sweets and toys etc. Little did I know that those moments spent
with us at the childrens home were tender ones for my father. When
I had become an adult, there was a day when he told me that as he
would watch and listen to us sing - although he was happy being
there with us - he had tears in his eyes, remembering that it was on a
Christmas Day that Mummy died. He told me of how there was a knock
at the door that Christmas morning and when he opened it, two police
ocers stood there, bearing the sad news. To hear this broke my heart...
that a day that was so very special in all the world held such great sadness for him,
and to think that we had been so far away, when this happened. (He first told me that she
had died when I was probably 5-6 years old, during his visit to see us---a moment I will never
forget, though I was too young to understand. I didnt know then that it had happened on a
Christmas Day.)
In the year that I was 9, little by little, all of us children were returned to our families for good,
as the childrens home was to close down and be transformed into a nursing care home.
Being back in London, my young memories of Christmas were also special, very simply
because of my Dad. He was a gentle, humble soul and very musical. He used to play the piano
from sheet music and also had quite a varied collection of records (classical, jazz, swing, reggae
and other styles, even well-known hymns) and would play them often. We lived in basement
apartment of a tall house. We were poor really and had very little. My sister and I slept on
bunk beds in the living room until we were rehoused much later. But do you know, that tiny
little room held a special place in my heart as Daddy created an atmosphere of warmth and
love (though life was not easy). The decorations, colourful flickering lights, small Christmas
tree on top of our gramophone, low lighting and the sound of Christmas carols and other
beautiful breezy music all had something special his touch of love.
the large spacious corridors and rooms of the beautiful stately home that Id lived in for
9 years didnt matter anymore. Being home for good with Daddy was the greatest present I
could wish for. When we opened our lovely presents, we appreciated whatever we got but
most of all, being close to him. We thoroughly enjoyed my Dads tasty meals. Everything he
cooked was so full of flavour delicious turkey (filled with stung and basted with slices of
bacon), roast potatoes, carrots, brussel sprouts, cranberry sauce, apple sauce; then Christmas
pudding or mince pies with custard, or ice cream, for afters. We enjoyed pulling the Christmas
cracker tags to see what message was inside before putting on the paper hats that
were inside them.
one November, a few years later, when in my teens, I accepted the Lord
Jesus Christ as my Saviour and - for the first time ever - Christmas became
extra special. I now had a relationship with my heavenly Father.
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The Babe Whose birth is celebrated on Christmas Day, Who lived, died
and rose again, now became King of my heart. I felt TRULY special. I
had now been touched by Love divine!
Over the years, the central focus of Christmas for my family, as believers
is the birth of our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus. As the day draws
near, we enjoy celebrating with special services of thanks and praise and
also enjoy the lovely nativity productions at our grandchildrens school
(just as we did when our children were young).
Childhood memories of this special time of year always come to the fore as I reminisce
on the specialty of Christmases past. The saying theres a child in each of us seems to be
true. Just a few years ago, on Christmas Eve, whilst out by myself getting some final food
items for Christmas, I was very unwell and felt really miserable; my husband was out at the
time. I wished I could be at home, curled up in bed. As I stood there in the large Sainsburys
hypermarket, and many Christmas songs filled the air, a special moment happened as they
played The Christmas Song sung by Nat King Cole, which begins Chestnuts roasting on
an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and folks
dressed up like Eskimos etc. Within seconds of hearing that unique voice and gentle, wellloved tune, tears rolled down my cheeks. I was so glad there were no shoppers nearby me as
I searched my handbag to find tissue to wipe my eyes! That was a song my Dad ALWAYS
played at Christmastime, and there was I, feeling awful, being reminded of him and wishing
he was alive, wishing he was even there, just to put his arms around me. Well - I dried my tears
and carried on with the shopping, glad to eventually be back in the warmth of my home with
our children.
Nowadays, the night of Christmas Eve in my home is usually filled with last-minute wrapping
of presents, as we race to meet the dawn of the morning. In their childhood years, my children
loved staying up late and being allowed to open at least one present before going to bed. I
just let them! The next day, as I busied myself in the kitchen preparing Christmas dinner they
would be up early and eager to come downstairs and open more. Things have changed now.
Theyre up at different times and in no hurry!
As a family, its so lovely to be able to enjoy Christmas Day together, the giving and
receiving of presents and being able to relax amidst the chatter, music and songs, games, TV
and so on, and to sit down to a hearty traditional Christmas dinner. Once everything is ready,
my husband does his special in carving the turkey and helps serve. After the hours spent in the
kitchen, I relish that moment, perhaps more than any other time of year. Its nice to be erved,
even though youve mainly done all the cooking! My eldest son and his family usually have
Christmas dinner with us on the day after Christmas (Boxing Day). When the doorbell rings,
we open to see the beaming faces of our 2 lovely grandsons as they walk in, eager to give us
their lovely gifts and themselves enjoy a second day of opening presents!
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WHEN CHRISTMAS DAY IS PAST

When Christmas Day is past
and all is said and done,
we must remember this ~
God sent His holy Son
into this world of darkness
to shine His holy light,
to open blinded eyes
to preach the Word of life;
To heal the broken-hearted
and set the captives free;
to save us from our sins ~
give us life, eternally.
So merciful and kind,
He demonstrated love.
He lived the perfect life
for He was from above.
He suered on the cross.
He died so cruelly;
but three days later arose
from the grave triumphantly.
He ascended up to heaven.
He made the way for all.
He oers eternal life to
whosoever His Name shall call.
He WAS the Babe in a manger.
Hes NOW the risen King.
Will YOU make room in your heart?
O WILL You let Him in?
Christ Jesus makes the dierence,
a dierence that will last.
Hes ALIVE and the praise goes on,
when Christmas Day is past.
2015 Christine V Mitchell
Biblical Scriptures:
(Luke 4:28; John 10:10; Acts 2:21)

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THANK YOU!
May God bless you for your support, contributions and prayers in 2015.
Please continue to pray for this newsletter, our ministry leaders, contributing
writers, the staff of the Lamp and for me. We endeavor to do more in 2016!
Yours in Christ,
Wanda J. Burnside, Founder and Publisher

For unto us a child is

born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be
upon his shoulder: and his
name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor,
The Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace
(Isaiah 9:6 KJV).

CONTACT INFORMATION: Mrs. Wanda J. Burnside, Publisher. The Lamp Newsletter.

Please contact me with your comments, requests and advertisement opportunities. My rates are reasonable.
Advertise your special event, anniversary, wedding, birthday, and other activities.
P.O. Box 125, Dearborn, MI. 48121-0125.
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