Another Christmas Day Walk

• We hold these truths to be self-evident that...

• We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union...

• Fourscore and seven years ago...

• It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom...

• Call me Ishmael.

These opening lines and those of other documents, speeches, and books often bring to mind the monumental works from which they are taken. Some of those works changed the course of of a people or maybe of a country. Then there are these words: 

• And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

These words begin the narrative of the event that changed the history of the world, the history of all people in all places. Add to them the familiar words from John 3:16 that tell us why Jesus came to earth (God loved mankind) and we have the basis for the greatest story of love ever told. I choose to not call it a love story because God's love has been, for the most part, unrequited. And yet, our great, all-knowing God still chose to send His Son to this sin-cursed earth to be born, live, and to be killed that we might have the means of eternal life with Him. To think that God Himself came to earth to live among sinful men.... Even the love that His children have for Him pales in comparison to His love for us.

There is so much that could be said about Christmas (particularly that first Christmas) and all of the individuals that played a role, from Mary and Joseph to the shepherds to the wise men, and obviously Jesus Himself. Then there are those sort of in the background: Caesar Augustus, the innkeeper, and so many others. What role do I play in the continuing story of Christmas? Am I willing to see the baby in the manger as the one who desires to save us from our sin? Am I willing to accept Him as my personal savior, the one who forgives me of my sin that I might have a restored relationship with God the Father?

On this Christmas day, take time to reflect on the goodness and graciousness of God that He showed to us so vividly on that original Christmas day when He came to save us from the awful consequences of our sin. Enjoy time with family and friends, but spend time with the Heavenly Father and give Him the praise, glory, and worship that He demands and deserves. And so, I say to all, Have a wonderful, merry Christmas.

A Quick Walk Through 2018

And now for the 2018 Walker Christmas letter with a brief summary of each member of the Walker household.

Johnny continued working nights as a loader at a FedEx Ground hub. He loaded trailers for the FedEx Ground semi-trucks you see on the highway up through November, then he took an operations manager position overseeing a team of loaders and occasionally still helps loading. (Chewy.com is not on the favorite list.) Working for a shipping company can lead to a love-hate relationship with the holiday season, but he still loves Christmas. Leaving for work at “O-dark” hour at night while the rest of the family is getting ready for bed is not enjoyable. Becky and Johnny often pass each other on the highway in the mornings as he is headed home to go to bed and Becky and Josie are headed to Hershey for work and school.

Becky continues in her role as a Gift Processor for Penn State University, working in Hershey. She works to record and receipt donations to the PSU Medical Center, especially the Children’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network and Four Diamonds. Weekdays can be crazy with work and getting Josie to and from school.  Weekends are a welcomed sight along with housework, spending time with family and the occasional opportunity to quilt, crochet or tat.  

Justin continues working for Appalachia Technologies. In his spare time, he enjoys rock climbing and the occasional hike. In July he spent 11 days in CA visiting his girlfriend (Rachel) and her family. Rachel came to PA for a visit during Thanksgiving.

Brianna continued as a student studying Elementary Education at Bob Jones University. She finished her sophomore year in the spring and began her junior year in the fall. During the summer she worked as a recruiter for JFC, a local job placing company. During basketball season, one of her campus jobs is to work as the team manager for the BJU Lady Bruins -  which she really enjoys.

Josie finished her winter and spring at Hilltop Christian Nursery School and then in the fall began Kindergarten at Lancaster Mennonite School, Hershey Campus. She loves her school and does well as a student. There is never a dull moment when Josie is around.  She continues to keep us young.  😃

Through all of the events of the year, it has again been amazing to see how God meets needs. God has continued to show Himself to be trustworthy and faithful.  We continue to enjoy our Cedar Hill Baptist Church family. We also spent a long enjoyable weekend together as a family in DC.

If you are ever in the Harrisburg-Hershey-Carlisle area, or perhaps visiting Lancaster or Gettysburg, feel free to give us a call to see if we can get together. We are 1 hour from Baltimore and 1 1/2 hours from DC depending on traffic.  

May you have a wonderful Christmas season and a very blessed new year.

107 Cambridge Dr. Mechanicsburg, PA  17055     (717)-458-8281    jwjbjwalker.blogspot.com    jwalker@juno.com