Good, blessed day to all,

As I awoke extra early this Christmas Eve, my thoughts were on our family gathering today. Then I began my mental rehearsal of preparation for the event. Although we are making an effort to simplify, I still found myself heading toward the activities of the Bible character, Martha. As I lay there with my thoughts racing from one task to the next, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Jesus’s response to Martha’s request for help from Mary. I chose to follow His advice. He said that Mary chose the “better part” (attentiveness to God’s Word). Martha was “distracted by many things” (worldly tasks). So, as we gather today, I will be sure to share some things about Christmas with my family that have been on my heart for some time now.

And I am here to share with you my next reminder from the Lord this early morning.

David and I have continued the tradition of sending Christmas cards with a brief “catch-up” letter about our lives for those we are thinking of, but some we don’t communicate with often. I decided to send a copy of it to you, my readers, to let you know that I’m thinking of you as well.

The poem, following the letter, is one I wrote in 2017 for our church’s Christmas Eve candlelight service. The Christ candle, the last candle of Advent. It is my “attentiveness to God’s Word”. After all, Jesus is the Word. John 1:1 & 14 NKJV “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. V 14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The reason we celebrate!

Christmas letter 2025…

Here we are again, by the grace of God, with the opportunity to rejoice together through cards and letters at the birth of our Savior, with a little recap of life in the Bailes family.

Early this year, we lost our family pet, Howie, the Wonder Dog. Broken hearts…enough said.

We later adopted two orange cats that we named Mango and Tango. Our cats have not only been comfort for broken hearts, but also very entertaining. If you want pictures, text me, I have a few. 😊

Simply put, the completion of our new Church sanctuary has given David a new lease on life, for me, my husband back, and for our Church family, an amazing place to gather and worship. A major milestone for sure!

At the conclusion of the Sanctuary, we bought a new car and embarked on a couple of much-needed vacations. One, to Texas to attend the 55^th wedding anniversary of our dear friends George and Linda Bostock, and to see my sister Karen and her husband Mike’s new home. The icing on the cake was our time with Denise and her Mike, also.

Next, I had been longing for the beach, so we headed for Panama City Beach, Florida. There’s just something healing about the ocean breeze and walks on the beach. As I walk, I offer to take pictures of families, friends, and pets, all with their camera, of course; just one of my simple pleasures. David relaxed, rested, and rejuvenated for the next opportunity…

We both embarked on a whole new skill (investing) for our family legacy and Kingdom building. David is doing the majority of the training, and I am the support and cheerleader. To say it has been challenging has got to be the understatement of the year! They say if it is not challenging, then you’re not growing.

While supporting and cheerleading David, my poetry and books have turned into blogs that might turn into books. 😊 Only the Lord knows what’s next.

We, like many of you, have also had our health challenges. Maybe that’s from “growing” so much, or maybe just growing older. 😊We have too many blessings to dwell on that. The Lord has us covered for that, too, right?

Mentioning blessings, our family and friends are counted as our biggest blessings. Allison, Andrea, Steven, and their families are still all close by. We love that! All with life challenges, busy lives, and the hope for their futures as well.

All because of this glorious time to celebrate the reason for this hope that lives within us through the Birth, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Rejoice, our friends (our blessings), count your blessings. Have a wonderful Christmas celebrating His birth, and Happy New Year to all! David, Reba, Mango, and Tango

Candle of Christ

What do you see on this Holy night?

Is it sleigh bells, Santa, with gifts that delight?

Are we shopping, exhausted and broke through the year

And trying our best to be of good cheer?

Please pause for a moment and come to our senses,

Before this special service fully commences.

This night is Holy for only one reason

The CHRIST CHILD’S birth is the cause for this season!

God’s greatest gift if we’d only believe

And lay down this strife, HIS GIFT we receive.

But somehow we think His Gift isn’t enough

We seek satisfaction with more earthly stuff.

Storing our treasures here on this earth

When eternal treasure came through Christ’s birth.

This gift included the gifts of the Spirit

Are so self-indulged, we don’t want to hear it?

So, as we each light our candle and illuminate our faces

And think of our loved ones in many other places,

Let us all reflect on the purpose of this night

Through His people, let His glory shine bright.

Remember, Christ Jesus went on to the cross

He is our treasure as we count all else loss.

What more could we ask for, what more could we need?

When we lay it all down, let Christ supersede.

Lit with HOPE in remembrance of Him

PEACE, the Gospel, Good News of Him.

JOY unspeakable filled by Him,

LOVE of God, the very essence of Him,

Christ, His birth giving way to Him.

 Join with me now, making it ALL about Him

WORSHIPPING, SING HALLELUJAH, SPIRIT-FILLED TO THE BRIM!

May God’s blessings fill your hearts and minds with Christ this Christmas,

Reba