The Joy Candle

I remember one year Bev talking about the Joy candle not wanting to light during an Advent service. On that first Christmas I wonder about all the struggles the teenage couple, Mary and Joseph, experienced, before, during, and after the birth of the Son of God. Today, we also tend to remember the Christmas seasons when the Joy candle didn't want to light.

Decades ago when I was in 5th grade, living on the Ponderosa near Union Mills, I remember our parents telling us kids there would be no presents for Christmas. There were only enough resources for food and heat. On Christmas Eve 36 years ago we came home to a large barn fire. 33 years ago my mother-in-law died after surgery a week before Christmas. In 2020 my father died a month before Christmas. This past week I attended a funeral visitation of a family's beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. 

Last Sunday after church, Jan and I were invited to join BJ and Cassia's family for lunch. We prayed together for Natalie who had back surgery this past Wednesday morning.

Last Monday during lunch time a number of Becks Seed dealers met to discuss products, programs, and progress in helping farmers prepare for next year.

Last Tuesday we invited a cabin full of friends to meet Adam, a friend who is running for governor of Iowa.

Last Wednesday morning Natalie had back surgery in a small hospital in the Appalachian Mountains near Chattanooga, TN. Dr Scott is the same doctor that fixed up Natalie's Dad, BJ, 7 years ago. Thanks for the picture.

Last Wednesday evening Karl and Kristin rented the New Sharon movie theater, invited customers and friends, furnished pop and popcorn, and watched a movie documentary on the history, the growth, and the culture of the Becks family. Thanks for the picture.

Last Thursday evening our family got together in the meeting room at Georges Pizza. Our kids, grandkids, and great-grand kids celebrated Jan's birthday together.

Last Friday evening my brothers (Doug and Bill) and sisters (Donna and Beth), and their families, got together at the cabin for appetizers and soups to celebrate Christmas.

Without the gift of our new born Savior we're celebrating this week, we would live without hope, without light, and without true joy. Our hope comes from accepting the gift we celebrate. Our light comes from the reflection of Christ living in us. And our joy comes from gratitude and contentment. So carry your candle, run to the darkness, seek out the tired, worn, and lonely, and go light your world. Merry Christmas friends.