Tonight is Christmas Eve

In the houses where there are little children,there is so much excitement about the gifts under the tree and what will good "Ole St. Nick" bring. When I was young, I could see the excitement was gone from the eyes of the old people I knew. I wondered what it was like to experience Christmas and not have that mystery and joy that comes with expectation. I bought a few Christmas gifts year. I said "Merry Christmas" as I met people while grocery shopping today. Some said, "To you too" in return to my greeting. There was little of that joy I remember from Christmas past. I spent the afternoon with my parents and took in their gifts to them. I gave Dad his fruit cake and gave them a heavy throw tonight because Mom says she can't get warm. My sister has received her package. She says that it is the only gift she has to open so she plans to open it tomorrow. She was surprised by a basket of food a student's Mother brought to her. Tomorrow she will be easting Stouffers Turkey Dinner which she can heat up in the microwave. She says she has difficulty using the stove while sitting in the wheel chair. I went to the Free Methodist Church Christmas Eve service. The church was beautifully decorated. The music was beautiful. Pastor Mel gave a really good sermon on the "Gift Of Jesus". Good to see so many people there. At the service people said Merry Christmas with a real joy and heartiness in their voice and smiles on the their faces. I normally go to church at Assembly of God. The Church is not as pretty and does not come close to the decorations. No stain glass windows or organ at the AOG Church. I like the music at both churches, but I look forward the the Free Methodist Christmas Eve Service. I took photos and some video to capture the music. No snow but it is cold not windy now as it has been just blowing around the house. I love Christmas and the carols that are traditional. I bought a child a coat,gloves, hat, and scarf. I do not know this young girl but I hope she will like what I picked for her and that it will fit. I picked a charcoal P Coat. That style is popular this year. Personally I have always liked that kind of coat. Any way it Christmas Eve and I can feel the magic in the air. And in particular I am so aware of the The FATHER'S love and the perfect obedience of my LORD and SAVIOUR, JESUS. He came to be the light and a water in creature that is as dumb as a sheep caught up in darkness of the dessert. Who can refuse such a gift? Dr Steven Pratt and April Ayre