MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

FROM THE NYMANS

“In [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”   (John 1:4-5)

As we gathered to celebrate on Christmas Eve (31 people, 10 of them children), it wasn’t easy keeping the focus on Jesus. The Swedish smorgasbord with 13 different dishes took a while to eat. And gifts peeking out from under the tree enticed youngsters. The talent program of amateur holiday music and then group carol singing all took time, but finally we got around to the Christmas story.

It was told on strips of paper, one person at a time, one sentence at a time, with the lighting of one candle at a time, around the circle. All but the babies participated as we heard again the familiar words of Luke 2.

It isn’t easy battling the rip-roaring fun side of Christmas to dwell on the quiet miracle of Bethlehem, but if anyone can win against commercialism, it’s God and his Word. May not a day go by that we don’t marvel over Christ’s coming and bask in the light of his abundant love. He is truly the Light of the world.

CHRISTMAS HALLELUJAHS!