"...you will find a baby wrapped in cloths..."

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you ; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Some thoughts about Christmas: Mothers forever have wrapped their babies in cloth of some kind and I guess they always will. More people this year say "Merry Christmas" than in a long time, in almost all the shops! Today, we saw some friends we have not seen in several years, and friendship never changes, you just take up where you left off. One of our sisters died nine years ago and my brother in law remarried after a few years. His wife is so lovely and seems like we are really family with her; we are so blessed! We are still in prayer and sad over several friends who either have new illnesses that are serious, or they have returning cancer. One young friend who was in a wreck is now in a nursing home facility, and we wonder about his future. Several friends are in their first Christmas without a loved one who passed away this year. Those of us who have lost many family members know nothing will ever be like it was "when Mama and Daddy were alive" but we also realize the blessings of new family members who bring joy. Our Johny was just ecstatic around this time of year and looked for snow constantly. Occasionally he would see a few flakes and be so happy. Sometimes we even had a real snow on December 25 and,oh my, that was pure joy! Our daughter still hangs his stocking by her tree every year.

So we are ready for extended family to be here on Christmas Eve, maybe about 25...that will be fun. I am still fighting the same finger,toe pain and the throat burned feeling. Not much fun! Merry Christmas!!!