Well thanksgiving has come
and gone. It is hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. When
I was young I remember getting very excited over this time of year. The big
thing was to go to Sears and get the new Christmas catalog. That poor book
would get literally worn out by us kids looking through it time and time again
dreaming of what we would like for Christmas.
It was a magical time and mom
and dad always made it special. I had almost forgotten that feeling; after all
it has been some 30-40 years since those days. The one thing is for sure is
that it made a lasting memory in my mind. Tina and I went to Branson for a few
days this past weekend. As we went through Silver Dollar City and saw a few
plays I began to watch the children. There were some that were tired and ready
to go home but there were some that were star struck at all the lights and
sounds of festive music along with all the toys and decorations.
Before we left for this trip
I had hurt my heel so I was actually walking with a cane to help me gimp up and
down the hills. At the square where the big tree was we found some rocking
chairs by the ice cream store. I sat down in one of them while Tina ran herself
ragged going to the stores all around us. As I sipped hot chocolate another man
came by and decided to sit in the other rocking chair next to me. We started a
conversation almost immediately. We found ourselves talking about almost
everything under the sun. The best part was the fact that neither of us knew
each other but both talked about family, friends, church and work. The company
he worked for, before he retired, has now shut down. Over a thousand employees
lost their job and for southern Missouri that was a big blow. He was glad that
he had retired just before the closed. For a lot of people this time of year
will bring sorrow and frustration.
For this couple they come to
SDC every year, with their grandchildren. It is a spirit lifting adventure he
told me. Tina also said that you could not go there and not get in the Christmas
mood, and she was correct! It did lift
my spirits. What made it special was that everywhere we went the Spirit of the
season was Christ’s birth. It is good to still be able to go to a place that
exalts Christ and shows love for the Father. (No apologies, just Christ)
Isaiah 9:6-7 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son
is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be
called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE.
7) Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end…
During this season don’t forget how much joy this season can bring. It doesn’t come from a store or from presents under the tree, it comes from life, it comes from a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, it comes from our Savior and Lord… It comes from God!!!!
SHOUT IT FROM THE MOUNTAIN
TOPS, CHRIST IS BORN….
Bro John 501-262-0015
