Before looking ahead, always with hope because of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, I look back with thanks to God for many blessings.  I thank God for those who were so thoughtful and generous to me at Christmas.  The cards, spiritual gifts, and other gifts are signs to me of your goodness and appreciation for my ministry to you.  I thank God for those who participated in our Christmas liturgies, including those who decorated our church so beautifully for the Christmas season.  Finally, I thank Ed Keearns and all the many people who helped in providing a joy-filled Christmas for so many needy children.  From those who gave monetary gifts, to those who bought presents, to those who delivered food and presents and those who put the boxes together to serve over 50 families.  It shows, once again, that Christ is very much alive and working to inspire so many people in this wonderful community of faith.  May God continue to lead and inspire us as we begin a new calendar year.