Merry Christmas!!! Yes, Jesus IS the reason for the season. That might sound trite or overused, but it is so true. We just heard a great message by Pastor Jackson about how “Happy Holidays” just does not cut it. Holidays must have a reason. Parties are in honor of something or someone; you do not just have a holiday for nothing. We are here celebrating Jesus’ birthday—that is the reason for this whole season. Let us not forget it in all the busyness and bustle of festive activities.
We did go to Washington D.C. where Hannah and Seth competed in the National Bible Bee. They were not the final winners, but all the contestants were winners. It was a wonderful time of focusing on God’s Word and its importance in our lives. The speakers were challenging and the fellowship was great. We were also able to see a bit of our capitol and some of the museums.
Seeing the Holocaust Museum was sad—what a sad history. On the one hand God had said that if the Jewish people rejected Him then all these curses would come upon them. On the other hand we are so guilty for the atrocities done against each other. All of that brought abortion afresh to my mind—our American holocaust. Are we standing by and letting this happen in our own country? I guess we can be like those who helped the Jews and try to educate and help girls to get out of this. I wish we could make it illegal. I have called a few clinics, but that does not seem to do any good. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. Well, not the subject for a Christmas letter—it’s heavy on my heart, and I pray for them.
We have been in Troy, Michigan, for these two months and enjoyed Thanksgiving with Dan’s family. School has been going great. It is so nice when not on the road. Also, Seth, Lydia, and Susanna have had the opportunity to participate in the teen choir with our home church, Evangel Baptist in Taylor. It has been so good to be able to attend enough to get to know people better.
We also attended our BWM conference and enjoyed all the meetings and fellowship. With the falling dollar and the rising prices, we were encouraged to raise more support. Praise the Lord for a church in Tennessee that has taken us on. God is faithful and will continue to take care of us. We try to be good stewards of the money God gives us. Pray for us, though. We know it is hard for everyone.
Continue to pray for the pregnancy. The baby kicks a lot—so cute. We will be traveling again right after Christmas—down to Florida and then to North Carolina. It would be best if the baby stayed in until we got settled again in NC. Besides, all my delivery stuff is there. Pray for a healthy baby and a smooth delivery.
Thanks again for your faithful prayers! MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year—this could be IT, the year Jesus comes back. Let us be ready.
Because He was born to die, we can live.
Joan and Dan,
Ruth Marie, Hannah, Seth, Lydia, Susanna, Isaiah, Stephen, Rebekah, Josiah, Joseph, Esther and ???
