Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men!

I hope everyone is having a joyous Christmas. I hope the celebration includes some of your family and closest friends if at all possible. And I hope each of us takes time to reflect on the significance of Christ's coming to us on a personal level. The baby Jesus didn't remain in the manger-- he became a man and walked the road to Calvary's cross--his arrival as God's gift will always be an image that touches the hearts of all believers.
Part of our Christmas celebration was attending Grace Church's candlelight service, which was bigger than ever. The large sanctuary was packed to overflowing with worshippers. A 50 member choir of church members and the Teen Challenge Choir, along with Sal DiBianca and Kevin Baker led us in some beautiful carols.

Afterwards we enjoyed a Christmas Eve tour of Christmas lights with Judy's parents. We ranged from Highland Trails in Southern Pines to Whispering Pines and Carthage. There were many unique displays. But the most unexpected sight was four of Santa's reindeer snacking on deer corn on the front lawn of one of those Carthage homes. We knew St. Nick couldn't be far away. We hoped he didn't need batteries or candy canes. For everything in Carthage was sure to be closed.

Today, Christmas day, we will have one more big get-together with our extended family (babies included). But Christmas won't be over for us for several more days! And I'm glad!

The rest of this post will be a pots-pourri of Christmas images from home and church. They're not necessarily related, but all are special to me.

Some of my vintage Christmas piano music.

Our psychedelic Frosty. A still photo doesn't do him justice. Next year I'll have to do a video with his fiber optic eyes, hat, and trimmings aglow.

Another row of favorite Snow Pals. We hope they foreshadow January snows.

This ladder with Santa and elves was a gift to me several years ago. I added a Frosty and used it at school for Christmas math brainteasers. For example, I'd give clues like "Elf 1 is on the fourth step, Santa is three steps below Frosty. Frosty's step = Elf 1 + Elf 2's steps. If there are 14 steps and Santa is on step 11, where are the other characters?" We all loved solving the puzzlers. At least I did. And I could change the positions and clues each time.

Good old Chipper has been my constant companion through the holidays. He accompanied me on singalongs at school, the hospital, and area rest homes. It wouldn't be the same without him.

Beulah Hill Baptist Church was fully adorned for the Christmas season, punctuated by Sunday's Children's program. They say black goes with everything. What's Christmas without a Yamaha grand?

I'm happy to say that these children and youth don't just sing like angels; they have angelic hearts and natures as well. The program's theme was "The names of Jesus." They led us through dozens of scriptural references to the Messiah from Old and New Testaments. Each reference calls to mind certain attributes of our Lord-- a Lamb, a Rock, a Shield, a Shepherd, a Savior, a Deliverer, a King. On and on the list goes. Jesus, God's only Son, is the only Christmas gift that ultimately matters, transforms hearts, remolds men, and makes an eternal difference.

My faithful sidekicks Harold and Greg make Christmas music and everything else more fun. Here they're playing "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" for the offertory.

Nah. Not really. But don't underestimate them.


My pastor, Dr. Curtis Barbery. His messages steeped in prayer, study, and wisdom are a constant source of strength and spiritual nourishment. He'll be "retiring" once again before long, but he has helped our church lay a sound foundation for moving forward in service to the Lord.

Niece Emma and friend Lauren add immensely to the worship with their lovely string duet.

Jackson shares a beautiful medley of "Emmanuel" and "Praise the Name of Jesus." He's accompanied by dad and sis.

Maybe the most important name of Jesus is Emmanuel-- God with us. Not just WAS with us. He IS with us. Hallelujah!