The reason for the season

Seasons Greetings 

It’s that time of year when we get to spend quality time with the people in our lives that matter most. We get to throttle back for a few days and put aside our current business and personal goals in favor of spending time with family and friends. And no matter if we are feeling up or down or we have been through triumph or tragedy, we get to pull up close to those who share in our lives to soak up some of that eternal spirit, love. 

It’s is love that takes center stage at Christmas time, a parents love at the birth of a child is the center of it all. Isn’t it just incredible that the hope and joy for all humanity that was born into a baby boy that lay in a manger built for farm animals still tugs at our heart strings today 2000 plus years later. As God is love, and we were made in his image, I imagine that God marveled at the birth of his child, smiling as bright as the sun at his creation. 

Our hearts are permanently tenderized by the birth of our children as a love we have never known before grows inside taking permanent root. A love that steels itself having the knowledge that the journey our child will face on this big beautiful blue planet will have great highs and great lows along the way. Gods love in us gives us the strength and compassion to parent this child holding their hand through it all. 

I imagine that Gods own heart was tenderized witnessing the reality of his creation, flesh and blood, Jesus as he grew and experienced an earthly life. That Gods heart strings were vibrating while watching, guiding, and speaking to him, anticipating his Sons world changing epic adventure. That God had to steel his heart as he watched his Son live out his plan. His heart strings must have played a complex, thundering crescendo as he watched Jesus, his only Son, walk to the cross. May your heart strings be on full display this holiday season.

We were blessed to start the holidays with a group family photo as we all gathered at the request of our precious son, Walker Grey, the day after thanksgiving. And rightfully so, as we realized that it had about 15 years since the last one.  Our growing clan, anchored by a gracious and loving matriarch, Sherry Mixson Barnes, and her 3 beautiful and talented daughters, Christa, Nickie, and Candy. And Candy just commented, that they all married handsome and charming husbands all native to Florida, Mick, Lindsay, and Dave. There is a lot of love in this family and a lot to love about them all.

“Dad, three people commented today how great my hair is”, said Walker the other day. Ah, I have fond memories, distant memories :-), of great hair days when your hair made a statement. Walker and his sister, Laura, both inherited great hair genes. As a complex double lung and kidney transplant patient, it takes on special importance to find physical things about yourself to champion. Some days it seems Walkers body belongs more to science than to his own efforts, so his gorgeous flowing 70’s style locks cover over a multitude of scars.

Walker is feeling good and looking good, Laura was accepted into the FSU Professional Medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon competing with 800 other students for 32 positions, and Candy got to spend 4 glorious days in Manhattan with her Mom and Sisters. Since we happily live close to home most days, Dad decided to began a 6 month backyard makeover for all to enjoy. I am happy to report all of us are doing very well, restored by the grace of God through time to be better and stronger and more appreciative of life with a steely eyed knowledge to its preciousness. Each of us tinged by the fire of trial yet quenched by the spirit of Christ where all trials are used for our good.

May the Holy Spirit watch over you, and the blood of Christ strengthen you , and the love that is God bring you great joy this Christmas. 

Much love The McKnights