A very Merry Christmas!

I had a very Merry Christmas! We had Christmas as a family a week ago, so it was just me an Pippin (the dog) for Christmas Eve and day. That's actually not fair to say though. As Chistmas Eve was especially neat for me and I think may have started a new Darren/Brennen tradition. Our home church, Watkinsville First Baptist had their typical candle light service with carols and a brief but poignant message, lots of hugs, smiles and "o how have you been!?!" and I've always enjoyed that feeling of family there.
Afterwards, Darren and I went to downtown Athens...to play Christmas carols (on the saxophone) on a street corner. I've wanted to do that for a while now, and always felt sheepish or whatever....but, when I mentioned it to Darren earlier on 12/24, he said, why not tonight?....so I thought...why not?

Besides being keenly aware of how much one should practice before seranading the Classic City...I was actually really touched. The music was okay, the ending was beautiful...but what really got me was the realness, reality, of Christmas.

Somehow, in the last 30 years, I've never fully grasped the Manger...the dirty stable...for a King. Blame it on our society...and being middle class...I've never had to know what hunger felt like, what being dirty without a choice felt like, what being overlooked, forgotten, and really alone....really felt like. I know Christ wasn't alone, but his birth was definitely humble by any standard...especially for that of a King.
... Looking up into the lighted city trees and lonely, almost empty streets, and seeing the few who walked there...maybe going home, maybe not...really hit me. Christ came for these....that they too, that all would / could know Him.

Darren and I prayed that we would be able to talk with someone and give them a Bible and some money. (I had a never used New Testament that I wrote the church's number in and a very small note.) But, we also prayed that hearts would be touched....
After a few carols, a small man came up to Darren and I and we spoke some. His name is Charles. He asked for money for food and promised he'd use it for food. We asked if he knew Jesus or wanted to hear about Him and he said he did know Him and proceeded to tell us about Him some. He accepted the New Testament and Darren had given him some cash and he accepted a prayer. How humbling and cool?! Sure, there are doubts that zing at me about that....but, if you ask God for something, and He brings it to be....am I to wonder then about all the details?
I got a little closer to the Manager this year. Now, I think, my Christmas savings account will have to be bigger...because there will be a lot more carols next year. and....Darren's gonna bring his banjo! ;) I'm really so excited about that!

Christmas day was spent with Darren's family and we had a great time!

I'll be glad to have my family all back home....but, they're teachers and have more time off.... no hard feelings. Nope nope.

:) Merry Christmas to you all!!

Love, Brennen