When I look at pictures taken from our back porch exactly one year ago today, I realize how blessed we are! What could we be thinking when we sing, "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas"! It's one of the few times I am exceedingly thankful for mild temperatures and rain.
Truly this is a Merry Christmas. As I stop and consider the gift God gave to us that first Christmas in order for us to have a relationship with him, I am overwhelmed. When you get right down to it, it's all about relationship, isn't it.
Over the past year, I have witnessed such great growth in our own church in this regard, both in terms of people growing in their relationship with the Lord, and as a result, in their relationships with one another.
That gives me great hope for the new year. My prayer is that we all will recognize more fully the beauty of the relationship God wants with each of us, and simply echo that in our relationships with one another.
Oh, it may snow again in the new year. But as we stay close to the Lord, it won't make any difference. His warmth will carry us through anything!
Be blessed,
Bill
