Good News - December 2018

In addition to my two children, we have three beagles. One of them, Snoopy, came from the pound when he was about six or seven and, as a result of his background, has some "problematic behaviors." One such problem is that whenever he grabs wrapping paper he morphs from a sweet dog whom we saved from death, to a seed of the beast. Several of us have scars from not recognizing how quickly the transformation had taken place. For the last three years one person has been assigned "wrapping patrol" to make sure that Snoopy doesn't get anywhere near the paper. We don't have any new scars and Snoopy is happier, so it's a win for everybody. Samuel Lamerson, PhD, President/Professor of New Testament, Knox Theo- logical Seminary On the first of November, we decorate one tree and put the Polar Express train under it and drink hot chocolate. My boys look forward to this every year. Scott Baugh, Pastor, Journey Church Well, aside from watching Elf (and several other "can't miss" Christmas movies together), our traditions have evolved as our kids have aged (they're now 24, 19, 16 & 16). When they were younger, we used a 12-day devotional with little ornaments (or, "adorenaments") that they would then hang on a wreath at the end of each day. As they've grown older, we've taken to reading and talking about different parts of the Christmas story together each night as Christmas approaches. And, after we open our presents at our house, we head down tomy parents’ house inMiami, where they get Christmas a second time (which is pretty awesome). Tom Hendrikse, Pastor, Rio Vista Community Church One of our favorite Christmas traditions is our “silly family” Christmas picture. We like to make sure we get one picture each Christmas with us all making a silly face. This is a reminder for us all to enjoy each other, have fun, and ultimately thank Jesus for His gift to us on Christmas day. Thomas L. Lukasik, Vice President Community Engagement, 4KIDS Our family’s Christmas traditions have always started with a beautiful Silent Night Christmas Eve Church service and ended with a traditional turkey feast Christmas Day. We love to invite friends who might not have places to go, and recently I’ve been relishing the sight of my beautiful daughter-in-law and sons now taking the baton and doing the same. Thank you, Jen! …I’ll bring the stuffing! Virlee “Vee” Stepelton, Ministry Advocate d Wants to Know… Samuel Lamerson Scott Baugh Tom Hendrikse Thomas L. Lukasik Virlee “Vee” Stepelton O’Neal Dozier Patricia Colangelo Coach Rick Andreassen Romney C. Rogers Ron Bramos