Walking Around the Christmas Tree

Well, Christmas has finally come. It is such a wonderful time of the year, as we spend time with family and reflect on the birth of the Savior.

• The school program was Dec. 14.
• School dismissed at noon on Dec. 21.
• We had a special caroling service at church on Dec. 23.
• The annual Christmas Eve service was on Dec. 24 (obviously).
• Christmas celebrated.

God has been so very wonderful. When one stops to think of the many blessings that God has given, it can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, we often focus on the disappointments of life and miss the blessing. Even in the midst of disappointment, there are lessons to learn and opportunities to see the hand of God at work. As we sit around the table and partake of the bountiful meal, I can see the provision of God in every aspect of life. Of course, the blessing of Christmas is the gift of the Son as our Savior. He is such a wonderful gift that offers us blessings throughout our lives.

As I was reading an online periodical this last week, I came across a statement that I thought was amazingly intriguing -- "Sin - it's the reason for the season." When I thought about it, it was such a profound statement. Jesus came because of our sin. We celebrate the season because He came, but He came because of our sin. When we realize the seriousness of our sin and understand that Christ came to offer forgiveness, it is amazing that He loved us enough to offer salvation. Christmas should draw our attention to the birth of the Savior, of course, but also to the sacrifice of His life in our place on the cross.

The forgiveness that God offers is much like an "... of the month club," a gift that keeps on giving. God offers forgiveness at the time of salvation and also throughout life when we confess our sins. Again, a great blessing that we often fail to consider.

Have a great day. Merry Christmas to all.

Walking, Walking, Walking

Recently, the annual KCEA (Keystone Christian Education Association) All-State Choir concert at the PA Capitol rotunda took place. It is always a highlight of the school year. This year, the choir was made of around 145 high school students. In that setting, with all of the marble, tile, and granite, the sound is incredible. This year, both of the Walker children were a part of the choir. I sat in the rotunda for two concerts relishing the privilege of listening to the kiddos as they sang. It was a wonderful opportunity, especially as this was Justin's 4th and final year. it was great to see Brie make the choir in this her freshman year so that both were in together this one time. 

Basketball season in well underway. Both of the kids participate, so the schedule is fairly full. At least with Justin now driving, he can run the taxi on occasion. I am not able to get to every game, but I do enjoy seeing the kids participate. Of all the things that changed in the move from TX, the one that I miss the most is coaching basketball. But hey, that's the way things go.

There are a few verses in the Bible that talk of walking, but these are often in my mind:

• Colossians 1:10 - That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

• Colossians 2:6 - As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

As I go thorough each day, I need to keep my focus on the Savior and His desire/will for my life. The only way that I can walk with Him is to know where He is and what He wants. The only way to know those things is to be constantly in the Word, seeking Him. Paul wrote in Philippians 3 that it was his desire to know God better. So it should be for each of us.

Recently, Justin had to do a demonstration speech for class, and he chose to demonstrate a tennis ball mortar. I do not have video of the actual demonstration, only of one of the trial runs. He really enjoyed building the apparatus and then firing it off.

Enjoy.