I grew up in small country Baptist churches. I remember being filled to overflowing as people gathered to hear a word from the Lord God called preachers. My dad preached in this little church, where over 150 people .. Sunday school and church .. how to fit in that small, but the construction of an adequate, I do not know. Over 40 years later, the same church has the same number of participants, but the buildings are 10 times bigger ... hmmm .. we are placing greater emphasis on the buildings on people? Anyway, I wrote this in memory of my dad ... Thank you, Jesus, for giving me a spirit filled oldtime preacher man for my dad.
This story was written 21 December 1994 and appears in my book
Luke 2:10 "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you news of great joy which will be to all people."
When we think of Christmas, photo gifts under the tree, the Christmas play at church, Christmas lights and bustle of this time of year.
As I look back over 42 years, God allowed me to experience the Christmas of 1966 stands forever etched in my mind. I was 14, an only child with four sisters.
I really had a close relationship with my father, the late Rev. AJ Rozier, the week before Christmas, Dad and the late Reverend Jody Thigpen performed the wedding ceremony for my older sister, Shirley, and her husband, Joe.
The simple ceremony at our office old house brought a sense of joy in the air. We eagerly anticipated the excitement of Christmas Day.
On December 22, 1966, I was helping my father deliver mobile (then preachers country has not received a salary sufficient to support their families and had to work other jobs) for the company Gibson McDonald Furniture. My first cousin, the late Clyde Douberly, and I went with Dad to Hazelhurst to deliver a refrigerator.
Then, I remember Dad sit back and say, "Guys, I need to rest a minute." He felt better and we drove the 50 miles back and Blackshear fine dining mom.
Our Christmas tree was up and the gifts were wrapped. Only two days and one night until Christmas! That night, my dad 40 years old preacher dropped dead of a heart attack.
I remember all those events, the Christmas tree and gifts to be removed, and my father's coffin to take that place.
In that cold, cloudy, Christmas day, we buried my father. Suddenly, gifts and trees does not mean much. The Lord answered prayer Father Christmas wanted to be with Jesus
From that Christmas on, I really understood what the true meaning of Christmas. Yes, it is a celebration ... In fact to us a Savior is born today ... Without his birth, we would have no hope of being reunited with our loved ones.
I will see my dad again. You see, almost eight years ago, another one of Dad's prayers were answered. I too am a son of the king.
This Christmas 1994, we rejoice in the birth and death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because he lives we live, too.
Luke 2.11 "To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
The note ... Both my brother-in-law, Joe and I are preachers. Clyde was 26 when the Lord called him home. Clyde and my father were both born in August 18 .. died December 22, and both were buried on Christmas Day (ten years apart)
Irvin L. Rozier, aka walkin2e
No comments:
Post a Comment