Merry Christmas

I wanted to post this on Christmas eve but was unable to access our home computer so here it is now, better late than never.

God created the universe and the atom, plant, animal and man (Gen. 1). God gave man everything, including free choice.
As mankind multiplied, he chose his own way, denying God (Gen. 6:5). God then chose one man to lead a nation of people solely committed to Him (Gen. 12:1-3). God promised Abraham that through his “offspring all nations on earth will be blessed” (Gen. 12:3 & Gen. 26:4). And that “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring” (Gen. 28:14). Great men came from this nation, Moses, David, Isaiah and Jeremiah. But they still fell short (Psalm 53). God working through man worked well but it wasn’t perfect. The only way the perfect man could come to earth and live among men was for God himself to come. Immanuel, God with us. (Isaiah 7:14).
And so it was over 2000 years ago the promise was fulfilled. The Son of God came from this Nation to bless all nations and all peoples (Isaiah 42:6, 49:5-9).
The choice is yours, accept the blessing.
(John 3:16)

Planes Trains and Automobiles

December 21 Steve and I headed to the Sitka Airport to fly to Denver. We knew DIA was closed and weren't sure if we were going to be able to get in but we were still taking our flight from Sitka to Seattle. It's always fun flying out of Sitka because you are garanteed to see people you know. On our flight there were 6 other school district employees and we sat right behind one of the nurses Steve works with.

So we arrive in Seattle and our flight has been cancelled (as was suspected) but we had a backup plan. Turns out that Terry Porter (Justin's father-in-law) was working in Seattle and his flight to Denver also had been canceled. So the 3 of us decided to drive from Seattle to Denver. After 22 hours of non-stop driving, 2 snow storms, dense fog and rain we arrived in Denver.

Countdown to Christmas

December 25th is fast approaching. December 21 is approaching even faster. What's the big deal about December 21 you ask? It's when we leave Sitka and head back to Denver for the holiday. It will be the first time we have all been together since the big wedding last year. Justin, Jenny, Steve and I will be meeting up with Ben on the 23rd and last minute Aaron flies in on Christmas eve. I can't wait.

But in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season (and yes it is much more laid back and slower in Sitka) I strive to remember the real reason we (my family) celebrates Christmas. Not to be preachy or anything (but this is my blog) for me Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth. I love the way Eugene Peterson says it in "The Message." God came down and moved into the neighborhood. Anyway, be sure to check in on Christmas eve for the rest of this sermon. Oops, I mean "teaching."

Speaking of God...the other night Steve and I saw the northern lights for the first time. It was amazing. I kept thinking that here I am 46 years old and this is the fist time I have ever seen this. I'm so glad I continue to get to experience new things and witness God's creative genius in such awesome abundance.