December 2023
Merry Christmas from our house to yours!
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
ISAIAH 9:2, 6
“Dear Parents,
Merry Christmas! The most wonderful time of year is here to celebrate at last! I realize that for some, this time of year can be stressful, hurried, and downright depressing. And I guess, if we allow ourselves to get caught up into the commercial aspect of Christmas or focus on “keeping up with the neighbors” in regard to decorations and gift giving, we can all become a little overwhelmed. However, this is all the more reason that we all need to stay focused on the fact that Jesus truly is the reason for the season.
This time of year, more than any other, people are looking for love. They want to feel the love, experience the love of a kindred relationship, and enjoy the family and loved ones around them. And while love is the emphasis at Christmas, if we do not remember the one who is love and gives us love unconditionally, we will lose sight of reality this time of year and become a sentimental washout with no real substance as to who we are celebrating and why. It is precisely because of this type of thinking that we have cynicism and skepticism about the Christmas holidays.”
