December 24, 2008 9:00 PM

Tonight for me is the most moving night of the year. And it is really not the entire evening - but only a 10-15 minute time span that I find so essential that I cannot deny myself. To set the stage for this, I am going to attend the 10:30 Christmas Eve service at my church. It will be a little tough for me because the choir has a half hour music program before the actual 11:00 service begins and I will not be part of it. The service is always somewhat moving especially the singing of "Silent Night" right after communion.

But its only when I leave church and head home that the true magic and meaning of Christmas sets in. It is cold and maybe snowy, Christmas music is playing on the car radio, the streets are barren of cars and people, houses are dark, children everywhere are asleep awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus, people around the world have momentarily packed away their everyday problems in preparation to share with their families and friends the joy of Christmas and the Christmas spirit.

The world around me is eerily quiet during the drive home and I can actually experience that mystical/magical feeling of peace that is the hope of Christmas. To me, the feelings that I get during that timeframe far transcend anything that the joy of Easter offers. Easter with its "He is risen" is the promise of tomorrow. Christmas with its "Peace on earth, good will to men" is the hope for all of us for today.

Unfortunately, the moment that I get home, reality sets in as we set our sights on the activities for Christmas day. Tomorrow, everyone comes by for dinner. It will be somewhat hectic, but it will be a wonderful day.

In closing, know that I am feeling as well as I possibly can and know that I think of each of you because of your kind thoughts, prayers, and support. They serve to sustain me so well!

In the true spirit of Christmas remember the song words, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me". If we could all live those words we would not be talking about the hope of Christmas - but the reality of Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! May it be your most joyous one ever! I know that mine will be!

Bob