Merry Christmas!

Jacobson Family — Nov 2014

(photo by JamesStokesPhotography)

Merry Christmas from the Jacobsons!

It is always fun to reach this time of year, and have the excuse to see family and rejoice for the grace and blessings that have come with the last year.

As the time passes, and our Ministry at Forest Springs continues to teach us things about life, Christmas takes on a different feel. We are truly convinced that Christ’s arrival brought with it a new hope, and a new reality.

As we process the questions and struggles of this young generation, I am reminded of my favorite (heads and tails above the rest) Christmas song, “O Holy Night.”  There are tremendous reminders in these lines that we have heard so many times:

Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

What a tremendous day in the history of our world! What tremendous news to share with young people today, who often do not feel the worth of their own souls.  When confronted with the pain and cynicism so common with today’s youth, I do sometimes feel that the world has grown weary once again. But what tremendous joy we find in those moments when minds begin to believe in Christ’s work, and hearts experience that new morning, and that new “thrill of hope”.

At home, we are enjoying being parents of Charlie more and more all the time. He chatters quite a bit and is walking wherever he goes now.  If you run into him and he grabs at your shirt, he is probably searching for your belly button. If he sticks his cup (or his banana) in your face and says “dah!” it’s because he wants to do “cheers”.  He is enjoying his position as the only child, but will be challenged in April when his little sibling arrives!

We wish all of you a Merry Christmas. May this season be one of true hope and joy!

Dan, Laura & Charlie

Trailhead Cross Country Ski Class—Dec 2014