Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas to everyone!

This leave period has been an odd time just for the simple fact I'm not quite sure what or where my "home" is. However, after the past few days I'm inclined to the think home is a region (east coast) instead of one specific place: I have warm and welcoming homes in da ATL with my church (Northeast Baptist), in Miami (South Beach is so relaxing), and in VA.

Currently, I am staying at my mom's house in VA Beach but it's empty and really feels like a house instead of a home. Mom & Gary have pretty there and not only is it stunning, it is warm and inviting! Although I've been here for about 5 hours now, it is clear this house is my current home. The obvious conclusion, home is where family and warmth is.

Incidently, my other VA homes are in Hampton and Williamsburg with the Mangus/Ross family, Mayes Family, and the DeJesus/Mixon Family. During this leave period I've had to re-evaluate the theme of "home," and it is taking on a new meaning as this season culminates tomorrow.

Fox & Friends on Fox News Channel had an interesting story. A 14 year old girl was in a hospital room suffering from severe pneumonia when the doctors and staff saw this white light in the shape/form of an angel in front of the door. The security film caught this light on camera, as well as the mother who took a picture with her phone camer. You can read this story on http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1101394/Mother-takes-photo-angel-hospital-daughter-life-support-makes-miraculous-recovery.html

Finally, tonight I attended the local Presbyterian Church service, and LOVED the sermon! It focused on the theme "peace" for Christmas. The minister did an amazing job weaving around the "peace" theme talking about our general world situation, but also how it impacts our lives. I believe it is in Genesis 1:66 where Adam heard God walking around the garden and was scared. Ever since that moment we have been "scared" of God's enormous presence in our lives.

At the birth of Christ as described in Luke 2 the angel says, "Don't be scared." The Christ child brings this peace that is beyond comprehension.

There is a Psalm that says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding."

A wise minister once said what we fear is the totality of God's love, grace, and redemption. Once we fully accept these what we let go in our lives and what we can become scares us. What would we be without the "things" that hold us back?

Some of my favorite words spoken by Jesus in John 14:27 are, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you...."

Tonight, I pray for peace not only throughout the world, but in our lives. Whatever is hunting us down...peace.