Oh Holy Night

The Stars are Brightly Shining,
It is the Night of Our Dear Savior's Birth ...

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them. Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:8-11

Christmas, 2006. What a Christmas and what a year to remember. Our family has been blessed this year with the most precious of all gifts, that of our Savior Jesus Christ. For when we were still buried in our sin, He gave His only Son for us, that we might accept His precious gift and share an eternity with Him. His love for us has been evident in everything and every circumstance. He has shown us how to worship and where to worship. He has given us a wonderful and caring family of brothers and sisters in Christ at Isom's Chapel. He has provided for us. He has nurtured us. He has given us new children, whom we love very much. He has challenged us and He has guided us. He has kept us safe in a world seemingly gone mad. He has given us work to do and the skills to do it. He has given us great places to work and to provide for our family's needs. He has blessed us beyond what we could imagine and certainly beyond what we deserve. He has given us a son who makes us proud each and every day, not so much for his personal accomplishments as for his love of Christ and his strong faith in Him.

He sent angels before us this year to lead us safely into the heart of Red China to bring home one of His children. And He has given us the privelege of raising her, along with Austin, to His glory! He arranged every circumstance of Lily Grace becoming a part of our family, just in the Nick of Time! He provided guides and counselors and government workers in Communist China, of all places, to help us bring Lily home! He has given us new friends and renewed love with old friends and family. He has given us friends that understand where we are and what we experience each day as He works His miracles to bond our family as no one else can. He has given us a community full of support as we have left our comfort zone and embraced His instead. Praise God in the highest. Praise His Holy Name Forever!!!!

No amount of words and thoughts of our own could ever be enough to thank our Lord for what He has done. But if there's anyone who reads what we write and who does not know a life with Jesus Christ, then maybe these words can serve as an encouragement to them and help them to find what we have been blessed with. And maybe, just maybe, that could be our gift this year to Jesus. Happy Birthday Jesus. We love you and we thank you.

Love,

Jerry, Connie, Austin, and Lily Grace

Green, Party of Four