There was an especially cold wind blowing ferociously today. It was uncomfortable to walk in…I had to use my ‘Wind Strap’ on my Tilley Hat. I notice old people…more and more…and they were out in their slow and quiet force this morning…to buy Christmas gifts for their grandchildren and their children…and their loved ones. Barnes and Nobel Booksellers had a nice array of full shelves of books and puzzles and family games for the customer’s perusal. I was happy to see this after noticing empty shelves in our local Walmart and Kroger last week. I have wanted some Christmas decorations for our yard…for some time. I saw some large Blo-Mold Christmas Candles…but even on sale…they were expensive. I reflected on our Blo-Mold Nativity Scene that we put in our yard in Elkville for several Holiday Seasons…when the boys were young. I used to look out of our massive picture window to admire the Nativity.

We wait for the birth of Christ. For we Christians…the hope of the ages. We were given a great gift…so many years ago…and we want to commemorate that earth-changing event…the old get out in the cold wind to warm the hearts of others on Christmas morning. ‘Let the weak say, ‘I am strong’ Let the poor say, ‘I am rich’ Let the blind say, ‘I can see It’s what the Lord has done for me.’

The hope for the hopeless…is coming to our lonely and sad and sick world. ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase off his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The Zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.’ Isaiah 9: 6-7. KJV

Our eyes grow dim and our ears lose their audible acuity…but our hope grows stronger and more passionate each year of our lives as we await peace and no more war…health and no more sickness…love and no more hate…

Why not look for the coming of the Christ Child…in the eyes of those who have no voice…those who have been forgotten and marginalized and cast aside… Let us work toward a brighter future…a future that recognizes that we are all failing humans…that are bringing our gifts to the little baby…in the manger…