The Tree

This is the Christmas tree in the front of the church. This morning when we walked into the building, the inside of the sanctuary was decorated. It all looked so lovely. With only four Sundays in December, it is wonderful to begin the first Sunday all decorated.

There probably won't be any gifts under that tree because what the church celebrates is not the gifts under the tree, but the Babe who came and ultimately hung on a tree. Christmas is about a stable and a manger and shepherds and angels. It's also about a hill and a cross and a Savior . . . God Who came here because we couldn't get to where He was. It is an amazing story. It is not magic; it is a miracle.

The holiday music this morning was delightful. Our little church still has an organ and a talented organist. The bells and the chimes are wonderful to listen to.

After church we were asked by friends if we'd go to lunch with them. Mr. Fun wanted to know if I had a free afternoon or if I had lots of grading to do. I had grading, but not lots. The "lots" will arrive Tuesday after my students write their last in-class essay. So I said, "Yeah, we're available." We had a couple tasks to take care of first, so we meant them at Marie Callender's at 12:30 for lunch.

We spent the entire afternoon in that restaurant eating lunch and telling stories. It was such a good time. (I had Cobb salad and a delicious piece of pumpkin pie with a huge dollop of whipped cream.)

So that's our Southern California Sunday.
Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol