ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This is the beginning of a new day, a new week, a new celebration – as our hearts turn to a tiny baby boy, who was the true Son of God, born into human flesh. This miraculous event brings us joy, tears, sadness, comfort, peace and hope for the beginning of a new year. My heart weeps for my sister and her family as they come to the first anniversary of the loss of their husband, father, grandfather, brother and son. Bruce passed away and left an empty spot during this amazing season of hope. One week later on January 1st of this year, my Paul found His home in paradise. This wonderful time of mixed emotions will be difficult for those who are left behind but imagine what joy to be in the presence of their Savior this year. It’s never an easy time for those of us who have lost someone to death, especially during specific times of the year. Tears fall unexpectedly. Memories pop up at the most unusual times. I keep expecting to see him walking through the door and all the things I have to tell him. This entire year, I’ve been thinking about this journey we’re all on. We’re born into this world as helpless little children. We are completely dependent on others to watch out for us. By the time we reach our eventual destiny, we are much the same. In effect we are living to die. What we do in between those times is really the reason we we were born. God placed each individual on this earth for a purpose. Every morning that we rise from a night of rest, we have work to do. Our mission as followers of Christ, is to tell others about this God/man who changed the course of history forever. When we die, our work continues in a place that we will never end. God’s home is ours. We will be with our Savior forever. We’ll see His face and be able to talk directly to Him. We will never feel the pains of life. Never again will we have to worry about Cancer, heart problems, Alzheimer’s or dementia. Our days and nights will be spent in perfection, all because of a baby. To those of us who remain on earth, we are guaranteed the same outcome, and we can be assured that our sins have already been forgiven.

It was part of a bigger plan than anyone could imagine,

It had to come from God alone, for pure hearts to be examined,

He sent His Son to pay the price, that no other life could provide,

A perfect, pure and holy life, whom with God alone did reside.

He came as a lowly baby, to be born of true God and man,

He lived a life of poverty, but was there when the world began,

What greater price could He lay down, than the treasure of His own life,

The greatest gift we’ll ever know, is the release from sin’s great strife.

He was there when the world made, He remains with us every day,

He sits upon His throne above, where we’ll meet Him and He will say,

“Well done, good and faithful servant, come enter my kingdom and live,”

“Salvation is yours without cost, eternity I freely give.”

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY OF LIFE & DEATH WITH A PURPOSE!