Merry Christmas from our family to yours. May 2019 be your best year ever! Nana, Papa & the grandcrew.

The newlyweds! Our oldest granddaughter and her husband.

The grandcrew with the newest addition, a grandson-in-law.

Our daughter, her husband and their whole gang.

And, as they say, “That’s a wrap!” Another Christmas Music Marathon is in the books. I’m going to take a short break, maybe break out the camera for a few non holiday images, and get ready for the new year. Until then, may the hope that is Christmas shine in your life and may the New Year bring new blessings to you and yours. See you in January.

Christmas Eve is upon us. For some the celebration has already begun. Not all families can be together at the same time so some people visit family members over several days and celebrate Christmas at each stop. The first Christmas was somewhat of a multi-day affair. It is highly unlikely that the shepherds and the wise men arrived on the same day. In fact, the wise men may not have seen the Christ child until several weeks or months after his birth. Still, the only appropriate response was worship and praise. Hallelujah!!!

Most everyone enjoys Christmas lights. We decorate our homes and businesses for the holidays. Some are very simple while others are very elaborate and computer controlled light shows. Still, the most important light show of all was provided by God to show the shepherds and guide the wise men to the place where they could worship the King of kings. The star of Bethlehem no longer shines in the sky but is glows in hearts of men. God has left us His Word and it is that Scripture that leads and guides men to the Savior. Have a blessed day.

By now, Santa has made his list, and checked it twice. The store shelves are nearly bare of Christmas decorations and what’s left is on sale. The kids have begun Christmas vacation from school and are ready for the big celebration. The thought that is ringing in their ears is that Santa Claus is Coming To Town!

Every year millions of Americans transform their homes into a festival of Christmas decorations. Reminders of the holiday seem to be everywhere. May we always be reminded of the true reason for the celebration. Scripture tells us in Luke 1:30-33 that the angel Gabriel revealed these things to Mary, the mother of Jesus, “…Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.  He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” The book of Daniel tells us of the coming of the Son of God, and the birth of Christ is the promise kept. There are many blessing that we can celebrate but there is no greater blessing than the love of God transforming the hearts of men. Merry Christmas to all.

School Christmas concerts are a part of our seasonal celebration. The grandson is a member of the advanced 9th grade men’s chorus at the high school. In this image, he is on the top row, center section, white shirt, next to the young man in the black shirt. Music is a great means of learning and telling the Christmas story in way that encourages, inspires, and transforms us into the holiday spirit.

In this image the grandson is on the first row center of image (yes, the tall one). Hanging around “The Big Guy” you would never know that choral music was an interest of his. It’s one thing we have in common. I sang in the school chorus from the seventh through the tenth grades. As you can probably tell, by this marathon, music is still an important part of my life.

The God of all creation has made the most wonderful gift of all available to us through the birth, death and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. We can receive forgiveness for all of our sin and inherit eternal life and fellowship with God. Christmas is the celebration of that gift. The most precious gift that we can give God is our hearts. Have a blessed day.

Christmas is a birthday celebration. In fact, it the the birthday celebration of a King and that makes it a big deal. On the night Christ was born, the angels sang “Glory to God in the highest!” Not only had a king been born but God’s promise of a Savior had been delivered. Of all of the gifts we may receive in our lifetime, there is not greater gift than the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and of all of the gifts we can give Him, there is no better gift than to give Him our heart. Happy Birthday Jesus.

Last year we added a new member to our family. Lucy will be two years old on December 24. Puppies are special gifts from our creator. They are inquisitive. They are busy exploring their world and best of all, they are filled with unconditional love for everyone. God has unconditional love for all of His creation. It is that unconditional love that caused God to provide a way for us to enjoy an eternal relationship with Him by giving His Son as the only acceptable sacrifice for the sins of all of mankind. Scripture tells us that it is impossible for man to imagine or comprehend all that God has in store for those who believe in Christ and have called on the Savior for forgiveness. A journey that ended on a cross, began in a manger. Glory to God in the highest. Have a blessed week.

One Christmas tradition that we don’t see often these days is caroling.  A group of friends, church choir members, or other organization would get together and go from house to house serenading the occupants with Christmas hymns. One of the favorite songs of the season was “O Come All Ye Faithful”. The call is to celebrate the birth of a Savior and worship the God of all creation. It is truly the most wonderful time of the year. Have a blessed day.