Christmas' Meaning from Linus

One of my favorite Christmas traditions that I’ve passed down to the boys is watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special. In it, Charlie searches to find the true meaning of Christmas. He tries all sorts of things: being counseled by Lucy, directing the annual Christmas play and nothing seems to help. When he returns to play rehearsal with a less than adequate tree, he’s filled with frustration, and yells, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!” Linus, says, “Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” And he begins to quote the Christmas story from Gospel according to Luke. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:  and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,

praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Linus then walks back to Charlie and says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

That is what Christmas is all about. So often our society tries to tell us that Christmas is about getting more, about responding to the commercialism and materialism. But Christmas is all about that baby boy born so long ago. A baby that came in the most humble of settings

but one that changed the world forever.

As the days and weeks unfold on our journey toward that holy day, may we remember and celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. May we, like Linus, share the story of what happened that night so long ago.  And may we slow down and reflect upon what it really means to be filled with the joy and spirit of Christmas.

May you and yours have a very blessed Advent season and a very Merry Christmas!

For Sunday

She's On Her Way Home!

Carrie's mother found her in Morgantown today and she is on her way home! Thank you to everyone who offered prayers, reposts and offered to help. Prayers have been answered!

Somewhere, Out There

The Gospel text for today was John 14: 15 - 21. Jesus assures his disciples and us that we will never be alone. God sent the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us. It's good to know that God walks with us through everything, no matter what. How great it is to know that we are not in this alone, that God is with us along the way. Knowing this offers us comfort, it offers us hope and it helps us to endure hardships.

Last week we heard the sad news that my husband's cousin was missing. Carrie Zucker was last seen on Monday, May 23rd, 2011 in front of St. Lukes Lutheran Church, 401 Scammel Street in Marietta, OH. Her picture is above. She has dark blue eyes, very short brown hair, she's around 150 lbs, 5'5"-5'7" tall. When she was last seen she was wearing a dark brown v-neck shirt, black capris and sandals. If anyone has information on Carrie Zucker's whereabouts, please contact the following authorities: Marietta, OH Police Department: 740-376-2007 or Parkersburg, WV Sheriff Department: 304-485-8501.

We would appreciate it you would pass along the word. We know she's somewhere out there...we just wish she'd come home!

Pray that God will hold Carrie is God's strong loving arms, pray that she might return home or at least contact her friends or family to let them know she's ok. And pray that God's love and strength will wrap around all those who love Carrie. Thanks!

Happy Birthday to My Oldest!

Today my oldest turned nine. It seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital giving birth to this little boy. Now this little boy is starting to get almost as tall as me. He's developed into quite a smart, talented, handsome and wonderful young man. Happy birthday. I love you!

Boy, How Time Flies

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is our baby's birthday. He'll turn three. It seems like just yesterday he was being welcomed into our world.


He's still my little one who loves hugs and nuggles (snuggles) and spending time with Mommy. But I know he's growing up way too fast and those times will all too soon be gone.








Soon he'll be grown up enough to really play football like his big brother. He's wanting to do that already.

I'm Happy Birthday my baby boy...boy you have grown WAY too fast.

Gotta Give Him Credit

No matter what you think of Michael Jackson's music or the lifestyle he lived, you must admit the difference he made in the music industry will never be forgotten. Some of the choices he made later in life may not have been the best for him or others but the talent he shared is something rare and special.

Our eight year old said he was about like the DaVinci of Pop. The impact he made will never be forgotten.