January 2017 - Pastor Craig

 The work of the decorations for Christmas. You drag them out. You set them up. You enjoy them for what seems like a moment. You put them away for another 10 months or so. Then the cycle repeats. Before you know it, the kids are grown, they have their own kids and traditions and here you are wondering if it was worth it. The answer in a nut shell is YES.

 Think for a second, what would happen if you didn't bring them out. Would December 25 just be another day on the calendar? I am reminded of the movie "Christmas With The Kranks". If you have seen it you know what I mean, if you haven't, image a couple who loves Christmas, but their adult daughter isn't coming home, they figure how much they spend on Christmas and decide to go on a Christmas cruise instead of decorating, buying presents or throwing their annual neighborhood Christmas party. You know what happens, daughter announces that she is coming home on Christmas Eve and they along with their neighbors decorate and create a Christmas miracle in just a few hours.

 I get excited decorating for Christmas. Things that you have collected and acquired each with its own story and memories see the light of day for another few weeks. When Suzanne and I joined households, I knew that she had a lot of Christmas things. Needless to say, our love for Christmas has blossomed into more precious items and memories. I really believe we will be that couple, who will always go through the "trouble" of decorating for Christmas.

 As I write this, I have just talked with my mom in North Dakota. She spent the weekend decorating her Christmas tree. After she decorates whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines Day, or Easter, she invites friends over for coffee. This year in particular, one of her friends tell her it's just me, so I am not decorating this year. I think moms answer to that would be "Don't You Think You Deserve It?"

 When it comes to Christs birth, we need to take the time and effort to hang on with all of our might the specialness of that day. Whatever that means. We connect with past Christmases. With family memories both good and bad. Because we know ultimately, that our Lord out of his love came to this earth for you and for me.

 There is a natural tendency to be depressed as we put away our Christmas things. But that's when the true message of Christmas must be known and believed. For we can never pack away the love of God through the birth of our Savior.

In Christ,

Pr. Craig

PS Here�s to a very Happy Year of our Lord 2017

Suzanne and I want to Thank You for all of the cards and gifts that you gave to us this Christmas.� It is always fun to come into my office and find things on my desk.� I pray always that you were able to experience the love, joy, and hope that this time of year is meant to be.� Know that we so appreciate you.

Happy New Year,

Pr Craig