Merry Christmas

 

A Christmas Prayer

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Loving Father, 
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing 
which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning 
make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds
with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, 
for Jesus' sake.

Amen.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.   Isaiah 9:6

Early Christmas

 I have had three first cousins die of Covid now.  Two more had been hospitalized, but have recovered.  I hope there isn't a genetic predisposition . . . ?  We had attended Mary's funeral in Burlington. We hugged and ate by her sister Margene at the funeral dinner.  A month later she succumbed to Covid.  We have been exposed, probably more than once, but so far we remain healthy.  We try to be cautious, but we do not live in fear.

I received a bill from Ameren for the expenses caused when I hit the utility pole with the combine.  The grand total was $3500!  I gave the bill to my insurance company and they said they would pay the full bill with no deductible.  I was pleased.

Saturday we had our super spreader event/extended family Christmas.  There were 60 plus people from three states, and some who just came back from a Florida trip.  It was enjoyable, and it was good to see everyone, but probably not wise considering some of the vulnerable that were there.

On Sunday after church, we had our family Christmas.  Much smaller scale.  We had turtle stew for lunch (compliments of Son#2 and D-I-L) and I smoked pork chops for the evening meal.  Along with lots of other good food and fixings, including homemade eggnog ice cream by Son#1 and D-I-L.

My kids surprised me with a new recliner for my gift.  The Klopfensteins brought it out from Ft. Wayne when they attended the big Christmas on Saturday.  My old one would occasionally fall apart and I would have to get my tools to put it back together before I could nap.  The kids thought it was looking a little ratty, so hence the new one.  It looks real nice and very inviting.

An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.   Psalm 41:8