Feliz Navidad

It seems hard to believe that Christmas day is tomorrow. This month has been filled with activities, both church and family activities. We started out the circuit of parties by hosting a gathering for the Bible Institute students and teachers. There were about 25 who came. It was a fun afternoon with a couple of games, lots of food, singing and sharing a bit of Scripture. I tried my hand at making a variety of Christmas cookies to serve to the students. As I informed them, in a gringo party the Christmas cookies are the most important ingredient.

The next party was the ladies' Bible study that Niki helps organize. I cannot give you a report on that part because Mark and I were banished to the back of the house. However, judging from the level of noise it too was a success.

Then a couple of days later Niki hosted the annual Elliott Open House for the teachers and staff of the Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center. That is the spread that puts the other parties to shame. Too bad you could not be here - there was plenty to go around.

Squeezed into the parties were a church anniversary and the final district junta of the year.

Next week our work team from Roberta, Georgia arrives to help work on the district headquarters/tutoring center building. We are looking forward to getting to know the team members and to work together.

This morning Niki has been busy in the kitchen. Fresh lefsa for breakfast, pies baked for supper. What more could a guy ask for?

Oh yes. To help make the celebration complete, both our daughters are here visiting. So we are almost all together. (Daniel and Naomi are are her parents' home in Wisconsin).

In my Bible reading this morning I read the account of the plagues on Egypt and the beginning of passover. It seemed an appropriate text for this day. Just as Moses was sent to rescue the Israelis from Egypt so Jesus was sent to rescue us from our sin. Thank God for Christmas without which there would be no Easter. So have a Merry Christmas and, however you celebrate, keep in mind that God sent a Savior for you and for me.