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Dear Friends, As a child I remember the excitement that each Christmas would bring. Like many families, we had traditions that we did each year. One tradition was that my sisters and I would hang our stockings on our bedroom doors and make sure we woke up early Christmas morning to open up the gifts that were in them. This was followed by more excitement as we went downstairs and saw the gifts that Father Christmas had left under the tree. As my sisters and I would open our gifts, we would pass along the gifts that were for my parents. Every so often we would look over to my father and see he had not yet opened any of his gifts. This would leave me a little frustrated especially if he had not opened the gift I had given him! However, now that I am a parent myself, I have realized something of what Christmas meant for my father. It wasn’t that my father was not glad of his gifts; it was that he found more joy watching his children open up their gifts. As we grow up Christmas changes in what brings us excitement and we find that there is more joy in giving than receiving. What brings the greatest joy though is to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas: the gift of God’s Son to us. The gift from God is the most perfect gift we could ever wish for and one that will bring us more excitement and joy than we ever imagine when we realize how much God loves us. The angels said to the shepherds the night that Jesus was born, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10). The good news is that the gift of Jesus Christ is available for anyone to receive! And when someone accepts God’s gift they will find the Father in Heaven looking on with great joy! As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, I hope you find that joy of knowing God loves you. I hope too that you will accept the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ into your heart for if you do it will bring you much joy! Paul and I pray God will bless you with a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Louise Wood
Captain
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