CHRISTMAS TIME

This past Monday a number of local chuch pastors and their staff joined together at Faith Assembly of Orlando for a Christmas celebration. It was a great time of food, fun, and fellowship.
The pastors even got a little crazy as they put reindeer antlers on their heads and were made to form a Reindeer bell ringing choir. Justin Fennel was the MC for the night and really did a great job of making every one relax and take a break for a few moments this holiday season.

You can see from my new pic that we had a very special guest attend this party. His name is John Morgan, and he has gained national recognition for having a very familiar look. He was a hoot... and he tolerated a lot of picture-taking with the crowd. It was probably one of the warmest receptions he has had in a while.

Laura and I have been attending these functions for about seven years and have found this to be a fun tradition for us. It's one way we keep up with other ministries in the Central Florida community.

Traditions have gotten my attention lately. The word means "a set of practices or beliefs that are handed down from generation to another." It is a word rich in meaning, and a word that at times can get a bad rap.
One of the traditions in our home at Christmas is my Laura's "Church Windows" that she makes every year. It is a simple chocolate holiday treat that her mother and grandmother made -- and she is keeping the tradition going. She always makes enough to give to our neighbors. After putting them on a nice plate and wrapping them up, we go to our neighbors' homes and wish them a merry Christmas. It is a great tradition we have been doing our whole married life.

Another tradition from my side of the family is to read the Christmas story every year before we open presents. My father did it when I was growing up, I have been doing since my kids were born, and I am ready to pass it on to my son Austin.... It is a tradition -- something that our family and friends look forward to; something that adds richness and depth to lives, which times seem to whirl by with connecting points. Traditions can give hope, acting as an anchor connecting your past to your future. It is during these times that I have had many "Ah ha" experiences. Moments of tradition make your heart warm up, maybe even bring a tear to your eye as you remember people, places, and events from yesteryear.

This Christmas season take time to enjoy the traditions of your home. If your family hasn't developed any consistent traditions around this time of year, take the lead and start one. Give something your family can pass on to another generation.

Merry Christmas