December 23

The Adams’
DC, Elizabeth, Benjamin, and Joseph

When we first moved to Georgia, we felt very out of place.  Moving from a very rural location in eastern Oklahoma to a very urban Decatur, we brought with us no real traditions for “just us.” Also, knowing we would not have room to store an artificial Christmas tree, we gave it away before moving.  So here we were, new place with no tree.  It didn’t feel like Christmas.  So Elizabeth and I decided to start a new tradition. 

We googled the nearest tree farm to Decatur.  The results turned out this little place in Hampton, Ga.  We piled in our minivan and drove out of the city to find the perfect tree.  We sang with Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra as our favorite Christmas tunes poured out of the speakers making the trip through Clayton County enjoyable.  Upon arriving, we chose a beautiful Leyland Cypress and made our way home.  We hung our ornaments, drank our wassail, and made all new traditions.

Making changes and new traditions is, in and of itself, a journey.  You never know what will stick or what will be a “one hit wonder”.  But one thing about our family’s journey is that God has been present every step of the way.  There have been times of fear and uncertainty and there will be more.  But God will walk with us.  That is the promise God made by sending Immanuel, God with us.

From our family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!  May you feel God’s real and mighty presence this day and everyday.

Zephaniah 3:14-17
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.