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.