Derrick brought the Spirit of Christmas to our house. He is our Pest Control Technician. Derrick and his wife have a new baby. He is over the moon regarding the miracle of the New Life in his home. He shared with MJ and me several photos of his pride and joy and in one the baby had a little sock hat on and I immediately was reminded of Aaron and Jonathon. Derrick has two more stops to make and then he must rush home and get mother and baby for a Christmas Party…

The Advent of New Life is precious and always worthy of a celebration. The profound excitement of being in the world and a part of all of its sights, sounds, and mysteries is exhilarating to experience and exciting for those who drink the cup of life with you. Whether it is your first Christmas or your 66th…life is new every morning.

A bit jaded we are by some repetition. I was watching the movie…The Square…which illustrates the vagaries of what is considered art and who assigns the value. In the film, the main character is engrossed in the nuances of art and his promoting of it. At the same time, there are homeless all around him on the streets outside his museum. Although he turns his head and pretends not to notice them he does answer a poor woman that he does not have cash for her request but that he would buy her something to eat. She responds immediately with a food order. When she complains that he got an item of the request wrong he looks on with some disgust.

‘I must get the kitty cats’ food ready…they like the cereal that I cook for them,’ Neva J said with a twinkle in her eye. ‘They wait for me each morning and come running when I bring the big pot that has the warm food in it…there were just a few of them but the group has grown to 10 or more over the years,’ she continued. ‘If it was not for me…they would starve.’

‘I love to watch the Christmas Eve Service from the Vatican,’ Chet remarked. ‘The pageantry and vibrant colors and the statue of the Baby Jesus in the manger inspires me,’ he mentioned. ‘The humility of Pope Francis captivates my imagination,’ he continued. ‘He seems to love those who lack love and who have been forgotten by society, Chet said softly.

‘How is it that you noticed me when no one else did…when I walked down the sidewalk many looked the other way or crossed the street to not have to encounter me,’ Abigail with one eye asked?

‘When I see you I see Jesus…when I see you…I see love and New Life,’ Neva J answered…