HOLIDAYS PART III
Well it will soon be the day, the big holiday that has always been my favorite. Christmas is just so full of celebration. It's truly different this year. I keep telling myself that it is still worth celebrating and I know it is. In previous years either Carol or I would write a Christmas letter and usually include a family photo and send it to many of our friends and family. I did write a letter this year but only sent it to a few out of town friends.
I do really desire to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and am sorry that I didn't send a greeting card your way. Following is the letter:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 4-7

Dear Friends and Family,

It is my prayer that this Christmas greeting finds you well and enjoying this Holiday season.

This is, without doubt, the hardest Holiday letter I’ve ever written. To write one at all was a difficult decision. I think most of you know what the kids and I have gone through this year. How do we celebrate Christmas and a New Year now? The truth is that the event signified by Christmas is still worth celebrating.

On May 7 of this year Carol left this world and is now celebrating Christmas in Heaven. This happened only 2 months after my Dad passed away. The Bible text above was one of Carol’s favorite passages. In her things I found her written testimony, which was based on this passage. It was a way of living for her. It was also a passage we have turned to several times in the last 7 months. Now I’m looking at it again and seeing the Christmas message in it. Rejoice! The Lord is near! “The Prince of Peace” will give a peace that transcends understanding. It is a message that gives me new hope each day.

We are “surviving”. Amy has moved back home after a 10 month sojourn in Indiana. Actually, she applied for and got Carol’s Children’s Ministry job at Hillside Community Church. It seems to be a real good fit for her.

Sara is in her fourth year at Calvin with one more to go. She is in the nursing program and seems to be really enjoying the pursuit. She had already planned to move home for this year to save some shekels so she is now living at home also.

Matt is attending Community College still trying to determine a course of study that grabs his interest. He has not lost his wonderful sense of humor and is often the one providing the smiles in our group. He is also living at home so, for now, it is the four of us “making a living and doing the best we can”.

Thank you to all of you who have kept us in your thoughts and prayers in this last year. The love and kindness you have shown to us are so deeply appreciated. Please take time this Holiday season to show those close to you how much you love them. With words or deeds, hugs, or whatever, just make sure they know it. We simply can’t take their presence for granted.

May Christ come to you in a special way this year

Love
Fred, Amy, Sara, Matt

Thank you to all of you who have been so supportive in so many ways to us.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year