Isaiah 35:1-10 Find a way to lift someone who is weak, to reassure someone who is afraid; offer sight to someone who is not seeing, and good sounds to some who is having trouble hearing…

Well, I read this one when the Advent Prompts came out and I was all set to post about Christmas and the service at Old First and how I love singing carols at the creche and then playing brass as people come into Church for the 8PM service and then singing in the Choir and the hymn/carols with the Congregation....but, the best laid plans of mice and men aft....you know the drill.  I was feeling well enough to go to work today and then well enough to meet up with my family for our annual Maggiano's Dinner.  And I had a great time in both places and felt good until dessert was about to come out - I usually look forward to these desserts but, this time, I was not feeling well again.  And, then my chest issues came back and were partnered with belly pain.  And plans for 5PM services were scuttled and Sarah went with the girls and not me to 8PM services, and I missed out on one of my favorite evenings of Church in the whole year.  But, then my kids came home, and they were excited from the singing, ready for Christmas tomorrow, and filled with joy.  And those kids lift ME up when I am weak, reassure ME when I am afraid, and give me good sounds when I need to hear.  They are the greatest Christmas GIft a man could have.  God Bless you all, I hope you have had as an amazing of an Advent as I have.  Once again, I think Michael for these prompts and the people of Old First Reformed UCC who joined in the discipline with me.  And Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!