Newsletter from Deanne and Kerry Casperson

It has become our tradition to write a Christmas song in lieu of a Christmas card.  This tradition began 15 years ago when Deanne heard Lex D'Azevedo tell the story of his childhood when his family (The King Sisters) would go to Alfred Burt's house for dinner and his annual Christmas carol.  They would all gather 'round and sing the latest carol and then he would give it to them.  As she listened Deanne immediately knew she would never send out another Christmas card but would replace it with a new Christmas carol.     

Bart Simpson once stated, “Let’s not forget the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Santa” Unfortunately it seems too real. 

I heard the following story.   It seems there was a mother who was out Christmas shopping with her two children.  After many hours of looking at row after row of toys, and after hearing her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year - overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, get that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, make sure we don’t forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card. 
Finally the elevator doors opened and there was a crowd in the elevator. She pushed her way into the elevator and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn’t take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot." 

From the back of the elevator everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, "Don’t worry. We already crucified Him."

For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don’t forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

Jesus is the reason for the season!

May all of you have a wonderful holiday and may you remember the reason for the season.