My favourite time of year is again upon us.  Many call December the Festive Season or the Holiday Season….and everyone knows it’s the “shopping season”.  These are all a distant second to my family. I do not want to sound like Scrooge, but for me December is a time for thankfulness, reflection and our children’s Christmas concert at church.  My parents always taught me to be ever mindful of those that do not have the essentials that we do such as a roof over our head, food on the table, good health, family and friends. So Susan and I continue to teach our children about giving and volunteering, and educate them about wonderful organizations such as Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), Siloam Mission and Child Evangelism Fellowship to name just a few. I always ask our son and two daughters prior to opening presents what they are thankful for, and as toddlers they answered Baby Jesus….and now they answer Jesus Christ’s birth. So let’s all enjoy the Blessings in our lives such as our family, friends and even the presents that surround us, but let’s also remember that the true gift of Christmas becomes real when you accept it because Jesus is the Reason for the Season. I will leave you with 3 Bible verses that are ever present in my heart: Matthew 1:21 – “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Luke 2:14 – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” On behalf of our entire Team, we wish you a Merry Christmas, Peace on Earth and a Happy New Year. Sincerely, Garry J.R. Fast