ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When winter actually sets in, our bones begin to ache. The coldness and speed of the wind, make it seem like you abide in the arctic. The waters are frozen while still in motion and remain that way until a January thaw occurs or more likely April. We can turn up the thermostat, add another quilt and add more clothing, but we’re still physically cold. The season of Christmas is upon us. In just a few days, our hearts and minds will melt and turn to joy. The promise of this time of year is eternal life. No more sadness, no pain, no worries. God first made this promise in the Garden of Eden. He sent the Messiah in the form of a human – a tiny baby – a child of poverty and want. This child was born of a virgin. He grew -skinned His knees – like little boys do – He played games with friends and worked beside his stepfather, Joseph. At the age of 30, He began His earthly mission – teaching, healing, performing miracles, baptizing, restoring life, walking on water. In three years, He would be betrayed by one of His disciples, denounced by another, and the rest of His band fled so they wouldn’t become victims too. Jesus paid the price for our wrongdoing. He was the perfect sacrifice, the unblemished lamb who took away the sins of the world. How do we thank God for this unconditional love? By thanking Him, believing in Him, serving Him and returning our love to Him.

Stalactites of ice hang from barren branches,

Frigid winds spin through a forest of cedar,

Tall sentries, guarding the enchantment of beauty,

A place where dreams seem to be made,

Yet are far too distant to achieve,

A parent and child trudge through knee deep snow,

Children scrunch within the warmth off a blanketed sled,

We follow a similar path in life,

We plow through the pain and suffering,

We get stuck along the way,

Sometimes we skim right over it,

Other times, the ruts and pitfalls require guidance,

We cannot make this journey alone,

We need a beacon to guide us,

To lead the way,

To lift us out of the darkness,

To keep us on track,

To help us reach our final destination,

One who will place diamonds in the sky,

Brighter than streetlights,

One who shovels a clear path of gold,

Which shimmers in the cold wind,

One who loves us with no conditions.

THE ONE TRUE GOD!