38 Degrees and Rain: Post-Christmas Thoughts and Snapshots

Welcome to "Winter" in 2011...warm and wet. This is the warmest winter I can remember in the 15 winters I've experienced out here. I may even have to mow the lawn again...Of course, last winter was the coldest winter I remember (and one of the longest) so it seems it all evens out in the end.

Somehow another Christmas has come and gone...the speed at which life is passing is breathtaking, surprising, and at times...frightening. The less we have of time the more precious it becomes...but then in the context of eternity--what is time, really?

Time is one of God's graces in this fallen world as time has an end. One way or another this life WILL end. We will all run out of time on the face of this planet, time inside these bodies, and then real life begins free of time and free of disease, decay, and destruction (for some). Real life (for others) will be a shock instead of a reward. Either way, the new creation, the restoration process initiated by Christ's coming to Earth 2,000 years ago will be revealed to all, for all, and, after one final battle, will come into its perfect fullness.

And in the meantime we have symbols and shadows and glimpses...

Christmas is one such symbol, a shadow, a glimpse backward mixed with the promise of eternity future as our gift giving reflects the one True Gift...HOPE in the God-become-man, the promise of resurrection to a new life in Christ, reconciliation with God, and reward and release for those surrendered to Him.

Here are a couple snapshots of our own celebration this year.

Our $20 Christmas Tree bargain!

Tucker and Tanner receive their pre-Christmas-morning briefing: "No opening presents without permission!" "No growling or snarling at each other's presents!" "Remember, we kept your crates, so no ripping, tearing, shredding anyone else's gifts but your own or you'll find yourselves back in your cage"

Tanner likes to help by protecting EVERYONE'S gifts...

Tanner inspects the packages as part of his in-house security service.

Before any presents are opened, we always read the Christmas Story!

Tanner enjoys an edible canine Christmas Card.

Sometimes things get rather frenzied!

Tucker unwraps presents very carefully...

Christmas family portrait.

Thanks for your love, friendship, gifts, and prayers that enable us to celebrate Christ every day here in Coshocton County! May this New Year be one of Glad Tidings, indeed.