Great response so far to our offer to give a blanket to someone in need through the ministry of our local "Mission on 494".  Close to 100 blankets have come in after only two days and we're anticipating more.  This is a good way to reach out together during this season of the year. 

Remember, the Mission helps about 150 families a week with clothing, groceries for a week, and other necessities, while providing support through counseling and even a "Christmas store" where kids can pick out donated items for their parents (we're the only agency that allows this).  So, plenty of room is still available for your "cover of love" through the first of the year.

Come early for the Christmas Eve service, they'll both be packed again this year - and stay to say a word of "merry Christmas" to all.  There will be children and grandchildren to show off for everyone, I'm sure!

Christmas always carries memories for the McCallons - mostly times when I act a lot more like Clark Griswald than anyone respectable.  There are memories associated with Christmas trees falling in the living room and tied up with fishing line, cars buried to their axles in mud, outdoor lights twinkling in uncontrollable fashions from different areas of the house and many more, all attributable to me.  You really have to know some of the stories to appreciate how close my wife, Erin, is to Jesus' mother as a person of great grace.

This year, in addition to putting up lights that twinkle (read:flash) and not knowing that wasn't what she wanted, I have several which have already gone out and a GFCI plug that continues to remind me how little I know about electrical wiring.  No, the lights aren't supposed to only be on every now and then!

So, if you drive by our place this season, say a prayer of thanksgiving to our Father as I'm sure you'll be reminded that it isn't our work that qualifies us for heaven, but God's grace and unbelievable love!  I'm certainly thankful of that!

Merry Christmas!

Kevin