BARRY’S SISTER, ZANETTE, GRAND-MA IRENE, & BARRY

My sister, Zanette, often reminds our family, when we’re together, that “we’re making memories”. And sure enough, time has proven her right for indeed each passing year brings to the crevices of our minds more precious memories, meaningful scenes indelibly etched on the canvas of our minds and hearts.

Many of the portraits of yesterday were, and will continue to be painted in the glow of the Christmas season and for that reason we anticipate with great eagerness the many joys this Christmas will hold.

Among my fondest memories are…trips to Grandma’s for that big family get-together, chopping down our own Christmas tree and then of course, decorating it; Mother’s candles throughout the house, casting their soft glow peacefully as Glen Campbell completed the mood with music from his Christmas album playing softly in the background; trips out to Dad’s for chili spaghetti, M&M cookies and a trip into the city (Cincinnati) to see all the beautiful Christmas lights, caroling all the way. The only thing missing was the one horse open sleigh; The candlelight service at church each Christmas Eve and the gathering around the Bible to read the Christmas story before opening our gifts; and then there was that special Christmas Eve in 1974 I spent in Bethlehem…THE Bethlehem.

CHRISTMAS AT GRAND-MA’S: FRONT ROW, L-R, BARRY’S MOTHER, ZORA, SANTA, BRIANNA. BACK ROW, BARRY’S STEP-DAD, KENNY, NATE, AND BARRY.

Being there then and thinking about it tonight, caused me to think of the many hours as a child I’d sit and stare at the nativity scene under our tree wondering what it was really like that night in Bethlehem. That manger scene is just as magical and captivating to me today, for in that scene I see the loving heart of God revealed…His was the greatest of all gifts.

As we once again become busy making Christmas memories let us not neglect to comprehend afresh and anew the love of God and the wonderful provision for abundant and eternal life that came into the world through His Son so long ago. As you are “makin memories” this year, our prayer is that you’ll include Jesus in your plans, making this Christmas one of your merriest of all.