Merry Christmas!

I'm not sure if I'll have a chance to post again before Christmas so today I want to take the opportunity to wish anyone who might read my spare parts a very Merry Christmas and Christ-filled new year.

“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON,
AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,”
which translated means,
“GOD WITH US.”
(Matthew 1:21-23)

That, dear friends, is the true meaning of Christmas. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle that we can get caught up in, remember that true peace, true hope and true love are not found in packages, turkey dinners or even in grand parties and gatherings but in the manger. May all the traditions of Christmas point you to the true meaning of Christmas this year. When you look at the gifts under the tree, my you remember the gift the Father sent in His son. When you gather around the table with family and friends, my you know the blessing of living in true, Christ-like community and loving like He loves. When you gaze in awe and wonder at a Christmas tree, may you remember that Christ’s mission was completed on another tree and find yourself resting at the foot of the cross.

In all this, I pray that you will rejoice in the spirit of Christmas which is peace, the miracle of Christmas which is hope, and the heart of Christmas which is love.