Greetings friends and family, Here we are beginning a new year once again. Loosely quoting Dylan Thomas from A Child’s Christmas in Wales, “It was a never-to-be-forgotten day in a memorable year.” Of course, the author is referring to one of those snowy, wonderful, Christmas days of his childhood. Among many other traditions, we watched the sweet, lovely, and charming movie of the same name after our prep night. We had some newbies for our glorious Christmas season this year, the Williams and Liesl. Yearly traditions include Advent, anticipating Christ’s coming into the world for the 4 Sundays before Christmas. We begin caroling practice (or try to) in November, aiming at excellence in our singing to shut-ins, elderly, lonely, and friends. This year we were able to once again venture out in a truck packed with carolers of all ages and sizes. This was followed by the much anticipated pozole and clam chowder, warming up our cold insides, and then on to an abundance of homemade goodies. The faces of those we sang for made the climb in and out of the truck, the cold fingers, and the practice so very worth it. This is the essence of joy: being neck deep in what is right and good and true! We viewed The Nativity Story, as we have done for several years now, preceded by delicious seafood bisque. Once again we revived the tradition of a stroll through Naples and devoured some of John’s amazing Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, filling the little shop with our raucous presence. Christmas Eve found us savoring anew a scrumptious dinner, the whole evening full of feasting, friends, frivolity, and fellowship. Together we celebrated the Light of the World, and talked about how Jesus brought light into our own lives. What a grand and glorious, never-to-be-forgotten season!
Is it already time to pack away all our Christmas decorations? No more stockings, hung by the chimney with care until the same time next year. January promises to be full and meaningful, having a baby shower, members’ retreat, Rich’s memorial (finally), and sending off some folks for a sojourn in the Northwest.
We covet your prayers and your so many other forms of support, keeping the faith here in this little outpost of Christ’s Kingdom. Like Motel Six, “We’ll leave the light on for you.” May it ever be so.
For Church of the Servant-King,
Regan
