This year, rather than posting the typical "Here is what we have been up to..." Christmas letter, I have more of a Christmas message.  Anyone reading this online is most likely connected with David and I on Facebook, and so you get periodic updates as to what is happening in our lives.  Anyone who wants more of an update letter, please let me know.

     As Christmas has approached this year, I have taken the time to watch various Christmas themed specials on television with my children.  We saw "Yes, Virginia," as well as "Elf on the Shelf," and "The Muppet's Christmas Carol."  I'm not sure why this had not occurred to me in some previous year, but I was impressed by the fact that many Christmas stories, including these three, have a central theme of someone who does not believe or is questioning beliefs once held.  Some stories, like "Miracle on 34th Street," focus on a belief in Santa, but the central theme remains a question of what one believes.  I started to wonder why this story line is so popular that so many stories are based on it.  I decided that this theme touches us deeply because it is a truly Christian message.  It is a message of hope.  It is the notion that our beliefs can change our lives for the better.  Growing up, I associated the name Ebeneezer with stinginess as it is Scrooge's first name, but in fact it means "stone of hope."  It is appropriate that the main character in Dickens' novel has that as his first name.  It foreshadows the transformation to take place at the conclusion of the story. 

     Over the last few days, I have taken occasion to ponder what I believe and to ask myself if I am happier because I hold these beliefs.  I believe in God.  I have seen His hand directing my life.  Most of these realizations come in hindsight.  For example, I took American Sign Language as my foreign language in college, and then years later I was blessed with a Deaf child.  I know that this is not some coincidence.  I believe in a loving Father in Heaven, who cares for us individually.  He inspired me to take ASL in college, despite the fact that I didn't know a single deaf person.  To answer the second half of my question--yes, I am happier because I hold these beliefs to be true. 

     I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and I hope you all have a prosperous new year.  Take care, and "God bless us, everyone."

-Alison