Emmanuel - His title; Jesus - His name

God With Us

Who are we --- that You should be mindful of us?

What do You see --- that's worth looking our way?

We are free --- in ways that we never should be.

Sweet release --- from the grips of these chains.

Like hinges straining from the weight

My heart no longer can keep from singing,

All that is within me cries,

For You alone be glorified,

Emmanuel God with us

My heart sings a brand new song,

the debt is paid, these chains are gone

Emmanuel God with us.

Lord, You know --- our hearts don't deserve Your glory

Still You show --- a love we cannot afford

Like hinges straining from the weight

My heart no longer can keep from singing

All that is within me cries

For You alone be glorified

Emmanuel God with us

My heart sings a brand new song

The debt is paid, these chains are gone

Emmanuel God with us

Such a tiny offering

Compared to Calvary

Nevertheless, we lay this at Your feet

All that is within me cries, for You alone be glorified

Emmanuel God with us

My heart sings a brand new song

The debt is paid these chains are gone

Emmanuel God with us

Picture a congregation singing this chorus with a band backup and about 40+adults, 10 teen and 25 or so younger boys and girls. I truly believe heaven will be this glorious! This was the picture Sunday morning (December 20) in our church. It was the 3rd service and we choir people had been at all three (since 7:45 I might add!) and I, with my staunch Baptist upbringing, could almost not contain myself! It was truly a beauty to behold! You could tell the people in the congregation were moved as well.

I love singing Christmas carols and this one is pretty much not a carol, but, boy does it ever relay the Christmas message!!! Why should He have ever been mindful of us or find us with any worth whatsoever. And yet He sent His only Son down to the earth to suffer and die for us, so that by taking Him as our Savior, "The debt is paid, these chains are gone!" Praise God! That's what we are living for!

God bless you all as we come to Christmas day. I pray that we will all put this truly wonderful Gift of God in the forefront of our lives that day. I am planning on making the "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake for our grandkids - with a few variations. I want them to know the true meaning of Christmas!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life". John 3:16

Happy Birthday, Xander

Sandra made an awesome "forest of Endor Moon" cake. We got a cheesy smile from Xander while we sang to him. Grandpa Stein obligingly lit the candles twice, so I got a picture of him blowing them out. (He lit them so Evan could blow them out, but Xander beat him to it, so they were lit a third time!)

December 5th is Xander's 4th birthday! We had celebrated with family last night (the 4th), as it makes it easier on his other grandparents to come down and make it home in time for Sunday service. We had a good time. Even Aislynn and Elora came, as they were staying with Aunt Cindy for the evening. It is so hard to believe these kids are growing - well, we say that all the time, but I don't know why it is so hard to believe. That's what happens. Years go by and kids grow up. It's just so neat to see the changes in them and in Xander especially. He is so much more outgoing and we love it that he comes over to our place. Papa says after the new year (or maybe during the Christmas break) he's having Xander and Lucas over for a "Talespin marathon". I can't imagine Bethany and Erin not wanting to get in on this as well and probably Evan, too. Oh my, what a houseful that will be!! We so enjoy being with them and playing or watching them play. Xander got some new games, too, so Christmas should be fun.

Happy Birthday, Xander!!