Christmas Joy

I trust that each of you enjoyed a special Christmas.  I had a delightful time with Justin, Laura and Ella.  It brought back fond memories of the days when we had young girls in our home that were all excited about Christmas and what was hidden beneath the colorful wrappings.

Our celebration began after dinner with two trips through a beautifully decorated park with thousands of brightly lighted trees and figures prior to attending their Christmas Eve service.  The first gifts that Justin and I opened were lovely robes that Laura instructed us were to be put on for a relaxing Christmas Eve with a variety of gifts to be opened.  There is nothing that adds to the celebration like an excited 2-year old!  On Christmas morning we found stockings for each of us filled with goodies hanging on the fireplace that we had to inspect before sitting down to a delicious breakfast/brunch.  There were more gifts to be opened and a huge Christmas dinner that kept us busy the rest of the day.   It was very special for me to have the opportunity to join in their celebration!

With the many decorations and beautiful tree in their home, there was no doubt that it was Christmas, but our memories of softly falling snow were replaced by considerable rain that continued throughout the night and as I traveled back to Charlotte.  I suspect that I do not miss the snow as much as the younger family members but an advantage is that rain does not have to shoveled!

Presently Karin, Keith, Gavin and Calli are driving home from a ski trip in the Dakotas which they enjoyed with Keith’s family and tomorrow they will be flying here to spend a few days with me.  A couple days after they head home, daughter Sue will be arriving here.  It is fun having an extended Christmas this year.

May each of you have a delightful end of 2012 and a Blessed New Year!

Chuck

Exciting Season

In the past, December has been a busy time with numerous get-to-gathers, and this December is proving to be similar.  I spent the past weekend with Keith and Julie where I enjoyed a fantastic dinner at their place with his family.  As Keith was taking Buster their new puppy for a quick walk I watched from the balcony, and he snapped this picture which shows some of their decorations.  Keith and Julie did a great job of decorating both inside and outside the apartment.  It was the perfect setting to celebrate an early Christmas!  Next week I will be spending Christmas with Justin, Laura and Ella in Sumter, SC.

Today while leading our chapel/prayer time at the office I read Isaiah’s prophecy about the birth of Christ some 600-700 years in advance of the actual event.  (Isaiah 9:1-7)  It must have been a great encouragement to hear that their time of darkness and despair would not go on forever, but a child would be given to them who would have the titles of Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.  Isaiah then concludes with “The passionate commitment of the LORD Almighty will guarantee this!”  That was a promise they could bank on. 

Today, centuries after that event occurred, we have the opportunity of knowing “the rest of the story.” We now have the full account of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus with the opportunity of having a personal relationship with Him and the ability to experience His love, peace and guidance in our lives.

I trust that each of you will experience a blessed Christmas!

Love to you all,

Chuck