What does Christmas really mean to you? Is it just a fun (for the most part) break before we reenter the world as it is? I’m quite serious about this, because I am personally grappling with this very question. Isn’t it time for the reality of what we claim to believe to actually start making a difference in the way we live? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to look back on some Christmas as the time when our outlook on life radically changed? Wouldn’t it be great if this Christmas became such a benchmark?

We know that Christmas celebrates the birth of the Christ child- Immanuel, “God with us” as a baby who would grow to manhood and die on a cross for the sins of the world. Even if we understand all that is tied up in Christ’s atonement and our redemption, we still have to deal with life in the real world-life that can be very difficult and challenging. We need more than a concept, more than an idea, even more than truth that we believe but as yet has not transformed us. We long for something practical that we can grab hold of, something dependable that is infinitely greater than ourselves. We long for something that will change us, our outlook, and our attitude so that nothing that comes our way will defeat us.

A PERSONAL NOTE

Since I have finished chemo and radiation treatments, and the problem still exists, I have been experimenting with new treatment options including wearing an Optune cap and periodic protein infusions. If the Lord does not choose to heal me of this affliction, I am hopeful that some or all of these new treatments will extend my life.

Many thanks to all of you who have been so supportive in so many ways during my battle with brain cancer. Your love and support have been overwhelming. Thank you so much once again.