Happy Saturday! We have a tree! It is still on the front porch waiting to be decorated tomorrow after the kids get home from work. We went to the Wall Tree Farm somewhere around Terrell. The hay wagon took us out to where the trees ready for cutting were and we walked around looking and talking a deciding on just the right tree. Geni called to us when she found a tree that was not too tall, not too fat, fairly straight and would hold lots of ornaments. We all agreed. Travis took the saw and cut down the tree. I think Geni even hollered, "Timber!" The tree farm had free coffee and cider and we had a great time.

Great news!! Allen High School Eagles are the 5-A State Champions!! We are so proud and excited for Ken and the football team!! Way to go Eagles!

I am preparing to teach our Sunday School class tomorrow morning with my own reflection on the 23rd Psalm. So tonight's journal is from an email I received today. In the hustle and bustle of this day and in the few days to come remember who really started Christmas. We love you all.

Take joy in the journey and see you in worship. Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.

"Who Started Christmas"

A woman was Christmas shopping with her two children. After hours of walking down row after row of toys and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on the shelves, she finally made it to the store elevator with her two children in hand.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and threats, making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally, the elevator doors opened revealing a crowd in the elevator.
She pushed her way in and dragged her two children and all her bags of stuff with her. As the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and blurted out, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot."

From the back of the car, a quiet calm voice responded,
"DON'T WORRY, WE'VE ALREADY CRUCIFIED HIM"

The rest of the trip down was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all would, just think how much better this world would be.

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Merry Christmas!