Dear Reader:

Rembrandt has been called ” a compelling storyteller on canvas.” His painting The Adoration of the Shepherds portrays the darkened stable in Bethlehem where two shepherds kneel beside the manger while others stand farther away.

One man holds a lantern, but the brightest light shines not from his lantern but from the Christ-child, illuminating those who have gathered close to him.

Seven hundred years before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah used an image of light and shadow to foretell the coming of a Savior for Israel: ” The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” ( Isaiah 9:2, 6)

Each person may see a different story in Rembrandt’s famous painting, but perhaps each of us is represented somewhere in the stable. Are we kneeling in worship, standing back in hesitation, or hiding from the light that has penetrated our darkness?

So until tomorrow… Christmas invites us to step out of the shadows of darkness and to allow the light of Christ to shine into our hearts. ( Source: Finding Peace at Christmas devotions-David McCasland)

Today is my favorite day. Winnie the Pooh

And speaking of darkness and light we are two days out from the winter solstice-Tuesday, December 21, is the shortest day of the year or the longest night of the year-depending on one’s personal perspective.

We might break a record today-temps suppose to be very close to 80 ! I am having to water, water, water my porch poinsettias!

Walsh and Rutledge are having lots of fun in Atlanta-his team won their first game and we’re waiting to see who they will play for the championship game later in the day-will update tomorrow-main thing-having fun!

Faith in Christmas is not a leap into the dark… it’s a step into the light!