Merry Christmas!

Today is December 25. It was a restful day, especially after the hustle and bustle of multiple church services this weekend. I am reflecting on what I enjoyed most this Christmas. I think, first of all, it was being with my kids. Wayne and Stacy were here Saturday from Austin. Secondly, I enjoyed singing the old familiar Christmas carols. They always remind me of my young years back home in Ohio when our church choir and Luther League went caroling to our shut-ins. It was always cold and we would be bundled up with our warmest coat, boots, gloves, scarves, and all. We would pile into several cars to drive to each farmhouse or nursing home where a church member was elderly or ailing. (I remember the excitement one year when our carload got stuck in the snowdrift on a country road.) We would stand outside the house and sing. Sometimes we were invited inside if the people weren't afraid of the mess we all might track in on their kitchen floor. And sometimes they would even give us a treat of candy or cookies. And the voices of our spirited choir members really sounded good! We really had the best singers in the community at our church! I believe that we always opened with "Joy to the World" and ended with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Christmas caroling is one of my favorite things.

This morning Pastor Gerald spoke about giving gifts. He reminded us that God is the big giver, and His children are just like Him, they love to give to others. His great gift to us, Jesus, took care of our past, our present and our future. When Simeon saw the Baby Jesus presented at the temple, he said, "Mine eyes have seen thy salvation." That takes care of my past. "...a light to lighten the Gentiles." That gives me wisdom and guidance for me here and now. "...and the glory of thy people Israel." That refers to the glorious future we have ahead of us. What more could we need? It's all about Jesus. Christmas is all about Him.

Another Great Movie!

Have you seen the new Christmas movie, "The Nativity Story"? That's another must-see for the season. We were impressed by this realistic rendering of the birth of Christ. Let me know what you think of it.

Chicken Lady Report

The Chicken Lady is alive and well. This is my week to visit my friends at Dayspring Assisted Living Center. Last time I was there I asked who would be brave enough for me to make them a big crazy hat on their head. No one was, so we asked Maureen, the activities director to please sit down for a minute. The ladies got a big kick out of the process as I taped the big piece of paper around her head, and Maureen was thrilled with her new hat.

They liked my big chicken slippers I wore that day. And we talked about the things we were thankful for. They are very appreciative of the nice place where they live, and for their children. I told them about my mother having broken her hip. One of the ladies was especially sympathetic and told me to tell her to be patient, as she had had a hip replacement, and she knew what it was like.

This week we will talk about "Why did the chicken cross the road?" To get to the other side.

Why did the fox cross the road? To catch the chicken.

Why did the turkey cross the road? To prove he wasn't chicken!

Why did the weasel cross the road twice? Because he was a double-crosser.

Then I will tell the story of someone who crossed the road for a very good reason--the Good Samaritan.

Bible Character T-Shirt #11

Here's another character for you to guess.

How did you do on the last one? The answer to Bible character #10 is King Saul. Read 1 Samuel 28:8 to find out why.