Christmas Day 2007

It's Christmas Day. Whew! It's been a very busy season, as usual. Last night we had two Christmas Eve services at our church. Thanks to all who came, and thanks especially to those on the program who had to be at both services. Last Thursday night, there was the Las Posadas Christmas program at St. Stephens where my daughter goes to school. Here's a picture of my daughter Faith with her friends Caitlyn and Callie. Oh, and that's me with the lamb ears on. Yes, while the children played a variety of roles, like shepherds, angels, and wisemen, I was a little lamb. A guy has to be pretty confident in his manhood to wear such an outfit!

When I say it has been a busy season, I think about the second and third weeks of December. After a couple of back to back dress rehearsals our sanctuary choir, orchestra, and drama troupe gave two great performances of a musical called "There is Peace in the World Tonight." Here's how the rest of the week went down: Monday evening I went to the middle school band concert. Tuesday night was the high school band concert. Wednesday night we had a party for all those in the church Christmas musical. It was at our house. Thursday night I had a dress rehearsal for the Starlight Symphony Orchestra, in which I play percussion and timpani. Friday I went with several from our church to "Mainstreet Bethlehem" in Burnett, Texas. Got home pretty late. Saturday evening the SSO had a concert in Blanco. Sunday afternoon, they had a concert in Wimberley. Sunday evening, our church went caroling. We had a "breather" week; and then it was back to work with planning the Christmas Eve services. As I've always said, the Christmas season is one of the busiest times of year for musicians!

Anyway, our family is going on vacation now, and looking forward to some time to ourselves, where the calendar is not controlling our lives. There's a lot of joy in this season of the year. My family hopes all of you are experiencing this same joy as we all reflect on the real meaning of Christmas - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14 NIV).