Merry Christmas to All

Well, Christmas (the event - packages, etc.) is mostly past, though Christmas day is not even half over. It is amazing how good God has been, even in just the past few weeks. Mom and Dad were able to come visit for a week, even though their car was remodeled and is in the shop. Some of the items we were hoping to get for the kids were on really good sales; the weather has been pleasant (as pleasant as mid-December can be). God has just showered poured dumped His blessings upon us. Later today we will gather with the whole family and celebrate Christmas together with them. Christmas is indeed all about the coming of the Savior, but one of the ancillary benefits is the opportunity to spend time with family. It is especially wonderful when that family shares a common love for God and the things of God. My God not only meets my needs, but He also provides so many things that can only be described as wants. When one thinks of missionaries or military that can not spend the holidays with family, it makes such a time even more special when it can be done. I am so thankful to God for the family He has given, both my natural family and my family by marriage. The greatest gifts that we have cannot be purchased on Amazon or at WalMart; they come only from God. He sent His Son to offer salvation. He places us in the families that He ordains. He gives health and protection. He alone can meet our needs and give us provision. He is a great and wonderful God.

One of the interesting things about Christmas is the time that we celebrate Christmas. In the Old Testament, often we find a statement that says something like "in the third month, on the twelfth day of the month," something happened. Yet when it came the birth of the Messiah, there is no direct statement of the time and very little implication about the time. The time that we celebrate Christmas is not what is important, else God would have had the gospel writers record the date. What is important is that we take the time and reflect on the work of God and the gift that He has offered through Jesus Christ His Son. The Bible tells us that salvation is only available through Christ. No matter what we accomplish in life; no matter how much we accumulate, we can never gain entrance into God's family. That comes only receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior. We hear it often said that we need to celebrate Christmas throughout the whole year and not just at Christmas time, yet we often get so caught up in our routines that we neglect to mediate on our God and the many blessings that He has given us. At this Christmas season, let each of us commit to making Jesus Christ the central focus of our lives. Merry Christmas.

The Walker’s Christmas Epistle (e-version), version 21

My, what a year this has been. God has showed a step or two of the road ahead, but we still wait on Him for what the future holds. Here is a mini-recap of the year.

With the move and the changes in life, there was basketball for the kids as the year began, but not for Johnny. It felt odd, but this is what God has at this time. As you might expect, school and school activities dominate the calendar.

This year, we celebrated birthdays 44 (Johnny & Becky), 15 (Justin), and 12 (Brianna). We also celebrated anniversary 21 for Johnny & Becky.

Becky is the Assistant Office Manager at Country Meadows of Hershey. Her job is a 25-45 minute commute (depending on traffic) from the house. Unfortunately, she has to work every other weekend, but at least she has consistent work.

Johnny began the year working part-time at Emmanuel Baptist Christian Academy. Beginning in March, he added evenings at FedEx Express to his work schedule. He continued at FedEx until late August, when he began full-time ministry at Emmanuel. This year he is teaching Physical Science (9), Earth Science (7-8), Math 7, Consumer Math (12), and Elementary Computer (1-6). Johnny also coached the school volleyball teams. The varsity team finished runner-up at the state tournament.

Justin is now a sophomore in high school while Bri is in 7^th grade. Both kids are able to participate in sports: basketball (both), soccer (Justin), and volleyball (Brianna) at EBCA. As we enter the winter, both kids are preparing for basketball season. They also sing in the choir and play the handbells. Justin is playing the trumpet; Brianna plays the flute. For the second time Justin was able to participate in the Keystone Christian Education Association All-State Choir. The 170 voice choir put on two concerts in the rotunda at the PA capitol. It was thrilling to see and hear. Also, Justin was admitted to the Honor Society this year. Both kids are doing very well in all that they do.

Speaking of winter...well, let’s not. Last winter central PA received more snow than had been received in many years. Johnny and the kids were able to go sledding a number of times, something we never did in Texas. It was a lot of fun. We also had the great “privilege” of shoveling A LOT of snow - didn’t need to do that in TX either.

We know that God is faithful. It has been exciting to see Him accomplish His will. We trust that you will enjoy the blessings of God during this Christmas season.

If you get up our way, give us a call. Friends are always welcomed.