By the time you read this, we will be marching quickly toward Christmas, my favorite season of the year.  I love the lights, the decorations, and the generosity of God’s people who are willing to give to those they don’t even know. So, my last expression of gratitude for this season of thanksgiving is that I am thankful for God’s perfect gift of Jesus, our Redeemer.

We have some unique ways to prepare us for the Christmas holidays. On Thursday, December 1, the bus will leave the church at 5:00 p.m., and we will head to Big Joel’s Safari Winter Wonderland in Wright City. This unique venue has lots of animals and lots of lights. There are firepits to get warm, snacks and S’mores kits, and opportunities to feed the animals. I hope you will join me, bring some kids with you and some adults who still have that childlike wonder! The cost of admission is $8. Eat before you come because we will not be stopping for dinner.

We will also be going to The Way of Lights at Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville on Monday, December 19 at 4:00 p.m.  This display is free, but donations are accepted. They no longer have their buffet, so I have chosen Eckert’s restaurant for dinner in Belleville. We will eat first and then go through the light display. We can only take 28 so get your name on the list if you want to go. Sign up in the Connection Center!