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.