Christmas Eve greetings, everyone!

Once again this season finds us hearkening to Christmases past as a blueprint to reference the recreation of the traditions and conditions that have comforted us for years. For many, it is a happy time because everything required for this festive reconstruction has endured another 365 days.

However, others have found that the same cupboard that has always stored the bounty from which they have been able to retrieve what they desired to deck their hearts with warmth of family and community, is now missing some of their most favorite and cherished "things." Military service, prison sentences, estrangement, poor health, the passing of loved ones, and more, have lightened, or stripped bare altogether, their shelves - leaving only a dusty outline of those who once filled the storehouse of their heart.

These painful reminders of loss assault our senses and risk dragging us captive to dark places, where no positive thought may be entertained nor hope whispered. But, through eyes of faith we can look past what is gone and see Who has always been there: the Creator of the shelves, the cupboard and the world that holds it. It was into that same world that he entered as a man to defeat the cause of everything that has ever been, or will be, lost: death. 

Grandma Cybersalt and I hope and pray that, regardless of whatever the fulness or emptiness you are experiencing today, that you have a blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, come to save us from the penalty of our sins and restore us to a right relationship with our Creator and Father in Heaven. 

Today's video share is one that has probably not yet happened for most of you: one of the Christmas Eve Services at our church. You can watch it live (or replay it) at:
Click here to watch the video.

Enjoy the rest of today's digest!

~ Pastor Tim