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I know I talk a lot about sports, but it is a major interest in my life and the focus of so much discussion here at Helping Up Mission. So, last week I suggested a correlation between the 2011 Washington Redskins and the recovery process of a lot of guys I know – not pretty, not a lot of victories, but they just don’t quit.
Last week I turned 60 and, on my birthday, flew to CA to visit my son. Like his father, Tim is a longsuffering Redskins fan and we regularly text each other on weekends bemoaning our team’s woes.
So, it was a treat to be with Tim and watch our team not quit again – and win this week’s game (we also watched and cheered for the Ravens that evening!). It was a great ending to a wonderful weekend with my son, which also included a climb to the Hollywood Sign.
The meaning of Christmas is the Incarnation and how it can empower us to live reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. And for many of us, one of the things that make this holiday special is family.
Our kids won’t be home for Christmas, so it was special to see my son this weekend. The week before Thanksgiving, at the annual meeting of my archaeological society in CA, my wife got to visit my son and we both spent time with our daughter. On Christmas Day, my wife and I will be with my parents in PA.
God is good – all the time – but I am especially grateful for these blessings this holiday season. I hope Christmas 2011 will be a special and meaningful day for you and yours, as well.
Appreciating One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Spiritual Life Director