Signing off for Christmas!

We have a busy few days ahead before we head to Philadelphia on Wednesday. We are so excited to be spending Christmas with my siblings and then welcoming oma & opa a few days later! We will not be back until 2010!
In order to keep our sanity I am going to be stepping away from the computer for awhile. There will be plenty of time to comb through photo's and make blog updates when we get back. I want to really savor our time away and make the most of every minute with family that we so rarely get to see. (Plus, keeping the kids on schedule, happy, and occupied will take some time.)
In the meantime, I have re-discovered this hymn. I heard it this week and was struck by the incredible truth in it's words. Jesus coming to earth was just part of the redeeming story!
We hope you have a Merry Christmas enjoying food, fun, and family and also reflecting on the depth and joy of our salvation! The Light has come!

As with gladness, men of old
Did the guiding star behold
As with joy they hailed its light
Leading onward, beaming, bright
So, most glorious Lord, may we
Evermore be led to thee.

As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly manger bed
There to bend the knee before
Him Whom heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

In the heavenly country bright,
Need they no created light;
Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown,
Thou its Sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King!
-William C. Dix, 1867