The Advent season is a time to remember our families and their influence on our lives.
Nilda’s father, Juan Soto, passed away four and half years ago. Juan loved music and had a fine tenor voice. Christmas joy was always about the music we sang together, in Spanish or English. Our favorite Puerto Rican carol urged us to go to Bethlehem. "Shepherds, to Bethlehem! Jesus waits for us there!" May we once again transport ourselves to Bethlehem this Advent season, and find our Savior waiting to welcome us.
Nilda’s mother, Rita Soto, is 87. Her legacy is simplicity. She is inspired to keep things uncomplicated. Just as my mother keeps Christmas generosity a simple act, so is the message of Christmas simple. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
Tom’s father, Guy Bishop, passed away fourteen years ago. It wasn’t easy to provide a good dinner and gifts for seven children, but for Guy this was very important and even in lean times, the children were taken care of. Jesus, too, loved children and wanted them cared for. This Christmas season, let’s remember not only the children who are taken care of, but those who are not safe and well care for.
Dolly Bishop, Tom’s mother, is 92 years old. As a child her family had very little money. Nevertheless, Christmas was a time of celebration and joy. One Christmas, each of the children received a tin cup and a stick of peppermint candy. Joyful prayers were raised and thanks given for these humble gifts.
This year, let us remember to lift prayers of thanks for every gift, and especially for the greatest gift of all, the coming our Christ.
Tom and Nilda Bishop
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