New Traditions

The past couple of years, Ron and I have been trying to settle on new Christmas traditions. The kids are grown and gone. They may or may not come home. They may or may not all be home at the same time.

When they were little, we would have a light meal for Christmas Eve, go to the Candle Light Service, read the Christmas story and then open presents. Christmas morning, we'd do stockings and then everyone helped with the meal. We usually had all kinds of people over that had no place to go.

Christmas Eve with Blythe and Joe at their house.

This year we are at the beach with Brandon for a few days. My sister will be in for a couple of those too. Then Ron and I get a few by ourselves which will include our anniversary.

Very relaxing . . .

The Shepherds and the Angels

Luke 2

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

(TNIV)

The Gift

We went to Texas for the weekend to see Brandon. Whirlwind trip. He starred in Southcliff's Christmas program.

Divorced dad. Co-worker gives him a DVD of the Christmas program. Nothing good on TV so he watches it. In the meantime, he finds out that his children won't be coming home for Christmas. He thinks of Christmases past - better Christmases. He realizes he needs more, that he needs Jesus, and calls his co-worker to talk.

On a reflective note, my son is grown. He has finished seminary. He has waited patiently on a ministerial role. In this performance, he played not only a man, but a mature one at that. I realized watching him in this role how much I miss him - seeing him on a regular basis. He is a fine actor. He will be a fine youth minister.