Christmas was wonderful. I hope it was for you all. I finally got to get my butt out of bed & help my Mother put the turkey on for our Christmas dinner. A goal I’ve had for at least 5 years now. We also made Sandtarts together.
LW has a wonderful tradition of giving for Christmas. Which is such a wonderful tradition to have. Our older tradition, is giving away our Christmas Eve offering. The goal was $134,000. We ended up with $143,000. LW began, a few years back, doing “giving trees” [they don’t call them that, but I’m not sure what –if anything- they do call them]. Each tree is for a certain charity or objective. One was reading glasses that will be taken to another country [don’t know if I should say here what country, so I won’t]. they needed 200 pairs. 1 person donated 200, so we ended up with 700 total. So very cool! There were some growth groups who did different things on their own as well. Helping needy families in our “neck of the woods”. I don’t mean this to brag or anything, I just think it’s wonderful.
Serving on the Sunday after Christmas, I heard all kinds of statements & questions. “any returns to do?” “my wife takes our tree down on Christmas day.” Figuring the holiday is over.
For me, I procrastinate taking the Christmas decorations down. In previous years, I guess the thought of “it’s over [sigh]” was just too much of a downer. I’m just learning [ok, at least I hope I’m learning] to enjoy where I am. After all, I won’t be here all that long. I have shared all kinds of song lyrics over the Christmas holiday, so here’s one for right now:
[I first heard this on First Call’s Christmas cd: Beyond December]
After December Slips Away
The season comes
but once a year
A gift
of precious wonder
For all
who hold
it dear
But past the sights
And colored lights
Lord,
far beyond December
I will
remember
After the carols fade away
After the Yule fire dies down
When there are no longer dreams
to open and see
Because You are hope
and joy and peace
Because You're the only gift I need
In my heart
the season will remain
After December Slips Away
Years ago
beneath a tree
Fell the drops of crimson
That set the faithful free
The gift was life
sent in love
Lord,
far beyond December
I will
remember
After the carols fade away
After the Yule fire dies down
When there are no longer dreams
to open and see
Because You are hope
and joy and peace
Because You're the only gift I need
In my heart
the season will remain
After December Slips Away
No matter how bright
the glitter shines
No matter how many
hopes come true
I know that
all I have
Begins
and ends
with You
After the carols fade away
After the Yule fire dies down
When there are no longer dreams
to open and see
Because You are hope
and joy and peace
Because You're the only gift I need
In my heart
the season will remain
After December Slips Away
In my heart
the season
will remain
After December Slips
Away
May you have a Wonderful New Year,
Enjoy the journey,
B
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