What a Difference a Year Makes

Today is Zane Ethan's Birthday

It is really hard to believe how far we have come in a year. Last year we were worried, confused, and scared; but we were also comforted, cared for, and lifted up. Today we have two beautiful healthy children. God has blessed us in so many ways. This year we are especially thankful for the family, friends and strangers that carried us with their prayers and support through the tough month of December last year. Listening to the Dr.s and Nurses at St. David's hospital in Austin we truly believe that we experienced a miracle. Thanks be to God!

December 11, 2008

December 11, 2009

Maranatha!

As a pastor getting ready for Christmas means planning sermons, and making sure that worship is meaningful and pointing us to the coming of Christ. Not just the baby in the manger but the second coming when the Kingdom of God reaches its fulfillment.

However as a father I am really enjoying my 3 year old's excitement as Christmas approaches. She loves it all. We had some snow the other day and she yelled "It's Christmas", I had to tell her that it doesn't only snow at Christmas.

I guess the big challenge for us will be how do we help her become just as excited about the real reason for the season. We have time and she is enjoying playing with her little people manger scene. That gives us some opportunities to tell the story. That is when she and her baby brother are not fighting over baby Jesus. (There may be a sermon in that.)

My prayer this week is that as we progress toward that blessed day that we truly appreciate the many gifts that God has provided for us and that we are excited and looking forward to Jesus with that same excitement that our children have as they wait to see Santa.

The early Christians used to greet each other with the word "Maranatha" which literally means "Come Lord Jesus!"

Maranatha!