Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Merry Christmas

Dear Friends and Family,
                Warmest greetings as we enter this Christmas season.  Christmas time has always had a special feeling for us.   The giddiness of anticipation that comes from childlike wonder, tinsel on the tree, ornaments that bubbled as they glowed, gifts on Christmas morning, family and friends coming over, and the treat of Mom’s Christmas cookies were just some of the sights and sounds that we enjoyed as children. 

By God’s grace, that all gave way to a complete understanding of the real meaning of Christmas when, in 1978, Jane and I experienced our first Christmas as followers of Jesus.  You see, up until that time the manger story was just that, a story.  

In October of 1978 we came to understand that the baby born in Bethlehem came to bring a peace that was not an emotion, but a peace that can only come as a result of a personal relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus.  That relationship was made possible as the baby became the Savior at Calvary.  He came to bear our Sin penalty on the Cross.

It was not enough to have knowledge of the nativity but we realized that the whole bundle of the events of Christ’s life paved the way for us to become reconciled with the God of the Universe.  We had only to invite Him into our lives, which we did at the end of that October.

That event began a lasting relationship that has deepened with each passing year and the Spirit of Christmas lingers on throughout the year as we commune with God on a daily basis.
What an incredible gift that is available to anyone who would place their trust in Jesus!

And so we find ourselves in the 37th Christmas season of our walk with the Savior.  And my how this year has flown by.  We will spend this Christmas with Rebecca’s family in Rome GA and New Years at Maribeth’s house in Asheville, along with Julie’s family and Jason.  Mark, Rachel, and Bowen will be at home in Florida celebrating with Mark’s family.

We were blessed to be able to have all of the children and their families join us in Maryland to celebrate Thanksgiving with Jane’s extended family.  Jane’s dad will turn 93 this April.  He still lives alone and goes to work most days, putting in several hours at his Farm Supply store.  The Kellenbenz clan has grown to eighteen counting the grandchildren.  Needless to say, there was plenty of excitement.  We had over 40 for dinner!  Thankfully he has a large house that accommodates such a lively crowd.

This picture of Pop with all of our Grandchildren is precious to us.


Olivia, Ella Mae, Micah, Veda, Wren, Isabel, Bowen

This year began with Jane having surgery to remove a blockage between her kidney and bladder that may have been there since birth.  The onset of recurring kidney stones prompted the need to take care of the problem.  The surgery was successful and a recent sonogram confirmed that all is flowing and no stones are present!
                
As a result of the surgery we were not able to do our January and February Sower projects in Florida.  We were able to resume our travels in April and did four projects this year, April, May, September and October.  

We are scheduled to be in Florida this coming February.  Our regular January journey will be re-routed to Rome GA for the birth of our eighth grandchild and sixth granddaughter who is due to arrive mid-January.  She will be the third girl in Rebecca’s family, joining sisters Ella Mae (4) and Isabel (2).  Rebecca, Corey, Ella Mae, and Isabel are still serving the Lord in Rome GA with Shorter University. 
                
Julie, Eli, and Micah (2) welcomed sister Veda into their family in July.  She is a wonderfully happy child, a disposition she inherited from her Grandfather.  Eli continues his studies in Wake Forest NC at Southeastern Baptist Seminary.
                
Rachel, Mark, and Bowen are doing fine in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Bowen will be two in February and he is a lively boy keeping mom and dad busy.  He is on the move from morning to night.
                
Jason continues to build his Snapon tool business here in the Charleston area.  He puts in many hours but has been successful building his route.  He lives near us though we don’t see him that often.

Maribeth, Ben, Olivia (3), and Wren (1) moved in July to West Asheville, NC.  They have joined with several families to pioneer a new church plant, bringing the good news of salvation through Jesus to the eclectic culture of folks that live there.   We sure hated to have them move but we are excited about the call of God on their lives and their obedience to pulling up roots and going.

Jane and I celebrated our 40th anniversary in March.  It is hard to believe that we have been together for that long.  She is a trooper and puts up with a lot from me.  Our love is growing with each year.

Well that brings you up to speed on our family.  We trust that your Christmas Season will be a blessed one as you contemplate the birth of our Savior, Jesus. 

Remember, Wise Men still seek Him!

Love,  Glenn and Jane
               


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