NOT....A Conservative Outrage

Well Christmas has come and gone. The children and the grandchildren have returned to their homes and mother and I are here alone again, empty nesters. It seems so quite. Too much food, too many presents, never too many family, but it has got me thinking. More often than not, this is not a good sign. I am the patriarch of my family and my wife is the matriarch of hers. Although we emulated the giving of gifts as did the wisemen did we do enough. Probably not. I ask you, Did you do enough?

On Christmas eve I found myself holding Jude Christian, my two week old grandson. Everything around me became secondary as I held him in what was outwardly chaos but, between Jude and I a surreal, quiet, and indescribable span of time. I wonder what was ahead for this tiny helpless child. You watch the news and if you give it your complete attention you would think there is nothing good in this world. But, Jude is here and he is precious. His mom, my daughter, is here and she and her husband have three other children and they are precious. Our son and his family are here and they to are precious. With a son who has served in a war zone for 15 months and most likely will serve again you realize life is precious. Why is it that it appears only the bad things make the news. Jude and I just sat there and looked at each other. He needing my care and the care of our family and somehow strangely, me needing his innocence and peacefulness. Life is so precious for all. Later at Sunday service Pastor Flesher of Greencastle Bible Church asked us, what do you think Mary felt as she gave birth to the Savior of the world. How did she react to this challenge of raising Jesus? What an awesome responsibility.

Mother and I have talked it over and have vowed next Christmas we are going to bring this question to our grandchildren before we have Christmas. Do they really understand why we celebrate Christmas. I hope so. We certainly are going to try. There is much good in this world and it is our duty as parents and grandparents to see the Word and Good News is spread.

Happy New Year and God Bless you all.