Happy Saturday!

Two years ago our family began a new tradition. It was the first new activity we began after the loss of our beloved son, Casey. It was our first new memory to make. We began a yearly trek to the Walls Christmas Tree Farm in Terrell, Texas to cut our own Christmas tree. The first two times we went, we went the last weekend they were selling trees before Christmas, but busy schedules dictated differently this year. Yesterday was the first day of the selling season.

We picked a lovely six foot pine, not too slim and not too wide that fits exactly in the space allowed in our living room. We added a hand crafted Christmas wreath for the front door for the first time this year. Geni worked tonight so we will not decorate until tomorrow. During the decorating, the movie “White Christmas” will be watched and popcorn eaten. The house will smell of Christmas pine and it will glow with the ornaments and lights collected over the years. Today the kids said it is a tradition they would like to take into their families someday.

Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent. Our Praise Team will sing a special piece tomorrow, “Prepare Ye.” The nature of the piece really goes along more with a Holy Week theme, but a long time ago I heard a saying late one night on the radio that simply said, “Jesus could be born a thousand times in Bethlehem, but unless He is born again once in our hearts then it was all for naught.”

How do we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child? Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem. Their journey was not an easy one. She was none months pregnant and rode on the back of a donkey over rough terrain get to the appointed place. They went obediently to the place God and had called them to go. So let us start there. In what ways will be journey to the stable this year? Will we attend mid-week services? Will we read our Bibles more and try to understand God’s Word? Will we offer ourselves in service? Will we give some of what we have in order for someone else who has less than we? Will we send cards to someone new this year?

Let’s journey to Bethlehem and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ child. Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.

Gcapplenotes@aol.com

I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.

Prayer Alert! Our good friend Mike S. is in the hospital. First indication was that he had a heart attack, but that diagnosis was dismissed and tests are being run. Please pray for him to be restored to health and well being for his wife B.B. Peace, gc