Dear family and friends:
Here we are, a few days before Christmas, in Dunkirk, Maryland, across the Potomac from Alexandria, Virginia.
Nunc dimitus, Lord, but not yet! I have had such a good several days, that I could almost say, "Lord now let your servant depart in peace!" For my eyes have seen, my ears have heard, my hands have touched, and my tongue has tasted what I take such delight in, that I could almost say, "It doesn't get any better than this; take me now, Jesus!" I won't because I know that the best is yet to come - our Lord Jesus!
I have, nonetheless, within the last ten days seen all of my children (except one) and all of my grandchildren (but one) and the wonders and beauty of the countryside between Orlando and the D.C. area. And, while the local inhabitants are weary of it, I find the crisp wind and weather refreshing (in limited exposures).
And just last Sunday I heard the most glorious music at the Cathedral of St Luke; the anticipatory anthems of Advent and the blending of voices in awesome harmony. I heard the cheery greetings of folks, soon to be reunited with their distant relatives, greeting me as family.
I touched the face and held the hand of my beautiful bride, Amy, with whom I have been married now forty-seven years; on December 21st, we celebrated our anniversary in an amusing tradition, a feast, on the road, at McDonald's. I look into those wondrous blue eyes and marvel at her love, courage, tenacity, and patience. What a gift from God!
AND, I have had three of my most favorite meals in five days: Chinese food at the Ming Bistro (Orlando); a dozen fried oysters (at Fuller's in Fayetteville, N.C.); and chorizo and eggs and Mexican beans, at our eldest daughter Katie's, in Dunkirk! Take me now Jesus!.... but not yet. Christmas dinner of turkey and all the trimmings are only two days away. Yummmm!
And most especially, I am privileged to have been through an extensive medical procedure not available not so long ago, and marvelously healed with very few side effects or inconvenience. Thank you Jesus!
Yes, all of this is privilege. From the sight, to sound, to touch, to taste, to healing. It is truly Grace: undeserved and unmerited. I could understandably say, "Nunc dimitus," except that there are so many who do not know that Grace that I am privileged to experience. I hear the Lord's voice gently saying, "As you have received, give."
May all of you know the miracle of the Incarnation and the glorious truth that unmerited and undeserved, Grace has come to us! Gloria! Alleluia! Merry Christmas! God has blessed us, every one!
Your brother in Christ,
Dick
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