The advent season went by quickly with so many events and special celebrations!
We got back from Prince Albert to join our Healing Hearts Regina/Caronport folks for a Christmas party at the Copper Kettle Restaurant. They have a nice sized party room to hold our 20+ group. We sat at several tables set together in a long row. The food was tasty and the atmosphere fun! After dinner and dessert, we moved our chairs into a semi-circle and placed the gifts we each brought for the gift exchange game. As usual, the competition and craziness made for some awesome laughs and special memories.
That was Saturday night. Sunday morning was the HHM Sunday School Program and turkey dinner. Although a small crowd this year, we had a special time with singing the familiar Christmas carols and enjoying the simple Christmas play. I helped organize and prompt the kids to come on "stage" at the right time. Caylea had a small part and the Sunday School teacher's husband also had a few lines and a prop to carry in! The message of Jesus' birth never grows old. Such a mystery! Such a miracle!
There was plenty of food and an intimate time of sharing around tables. Walter had woken up with a congested chest and was exhausted! So he actually missed this, our 26th Christmas dinner and program. Wow! Lord Jesus, You are worthy to receive honour and we trust You have been pleased with our offering! Thankfully, Walter recovered within a couple days and didn't end up with a winter cold or long-lasting cough.
The next week we enjoyed our home and preparations for the family celebrations. I cooked and baked at a leisurely pace. Caylea and her dad made their "nuts & bolts" mixture. I made "Hello Dollies", "Raising Cookies", Apple Kuchen and Caylea also made "Nutchos".
Presents began to arrive at our front door or in our mailbox. Christmas cards also arrived, filled with warm greetings and some with paper "gifts" tucked inside! God has blessed us with so wonderful friends, family and even people who don't know us that well but follow His leading to support us and pray for us in ministry. We are overwhelmed especially at this time of year, with extra gifts from generous folks. Other times we may seem to struggle or have needs, but God's provision has never failed.
As the gifts began piling up underneath our Christmas tree, I was having a hard time being patient for our family to gather. I planned a fondue supper for after our Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 6 pm. When Mark & Amy arrived around 7:30 pm, my heart was full! My holidays were complete!
I was able to sing and play guitar and lead worship a few times over the advent season. What a huge blessing! I so enjoy the Christmas music and the themes that never cease to be filled with awe and wonder at our Saviour's coming. The carol "O Come All Ye Faithful" seemed especially meaningful to me this year, to come to the Lord in worship and adoration. Taking the time and casting all the busy activity aside throughout the season just to offer praise and love is so sweet. Not easy to do but so worthwhile. Funny how all the "things" eventually get done in time for Christmas, or somehow the priorities shift, when we take time to worship the King.
The Christmas Day at my step-brother and sister-in-law's house went very well. Delicious turkey dinner, games and gift exchange game were all so pleasant and peaceful. On our drive home, the big "Light Display" at one house set to music and video presentation was amazing! It had been featured on the news when someone ran over the lights and ruined some of it earlier in December. So we sat and watched and listened for a couple of songs. Quite an experience!
Boxing Day was held at our house with more family time: karoake, chicken tortilla casserole and saskatoon pie, card games of course and a movie, I think! Mark always brings a selection of his latest movie choices and we watched a few. Relaxing time for us at the end of the day.
My Mom and Grandma came up on December 29 after our church service for lunch and a game of Crokinole. It was nice to have a visit and that our kids could all see their "Grandmas"!
That about wraps up our holiday festivities. Walter and I waved good bye to our kids as they went home to Manitoba, or to Daniel down the road to his own condo or to Caylea off to Saskatoon for New Years! Its been lonely and quiet but also nice to rest at home. We know the new year will be busy with more travel, a missions conference and Bible school class and other upcoming events.
Stay tuned for updates as 2020 unfolds. God is good!
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