"Tolkien turkey"

We have just come to the end of a full and enjoyable Christmas Day. We've talked to family in California and England; we've feasted on lamb and ham and mince pies with brandy butter (only once a year...) and finally we've just watched "The Return of the King - extended edition" (4 hours and 10 minutes worth). Tolkien's epic reminds us of the battle we are involved in and return to after the joy of the season. He also reminds us that it is in the small hobbit-sized acts of goodness and character that the battle is won and that 'greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.'

It's beginning to "sound" a lot like Christmas...

Last night, our church together with some other friends, went carol singing. This was a tradition in England that was a big part of the run-up to this wonderful season. Somehow, the sound of carols being sung outside a home draws the spirit of Christ ever closer to that house. We left the church in a caravan of vehicles, armed with bells, guitar and shaker and before the night was over we had visited seven individual homes, a nursing home and the foyer of our local WALMART to bring some christmas cheer. I lost my voice but all agreed that carol singing is a wonderful tradition that brings joy to the ears and hearts that hear it. "We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!"