"Come, dearest child, into our hearts, and leave your crib behind you!
Let this be where the new life starts for all who seek and find you.
To you be honor, thanks and praise, for all your gifts this time of grace.
Come, conquer and deliver this world, and us, forever."
~ Break Forth, O Beauteous
Every year I have great plans to send out Christmas cards with pictures and news of what is happening with the Morse's. Most times it is hit and miss so this year instead of a Christmas greeting I have decided (by default) to send out an epiphany letter. Epiphany is "the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-21). So, according to the definition from the Oxford Languages I have until January 6th to send this note out. I actually got this from my mother, who would type on her antique typewriter, as this is what she sometimes did.
Dan and I are well and living in central Oregon. We bought this place last year and moved in totally in March of 2021. Don and Dee (Dan's parents) have moved with us (they moved down in May) and live in a small ADU that we had built on the property for them. The sun shines more here but living in a high desert it is typically colder in the winter which we don't mind as long as the sun shines. We have a bit of snow now and I told Dan this morning that it feels like we live in a snow globe.
Our children are doing well. The last couple of years haven't been without challenges for some but in God's good mercy He has brought them through with blessings. We have had two grandchildren get married this past summer and now have a great grand baby on the way. This is so exciting as we love the babies!
The week before Christmas half of the family came down for an early Christmas celebration. Then on Christmas day we had more family show up for dinner and gifts. Thankful does not describe well enough our joy!
We are incredibly grateful for all those who have been a part of our lives and continue to be. Whether past friends or new friends you are all very dear to us. Having family that enjoys one another and who can laugh together (along with the shedding of tears too) is essential and is health to our old bones.
And so, this Christmas and Epiphany season, Dan and I want to send out our most happy greeting. Wishing you and yours a very merry time and continued hope for the future. Our God is so very good and gracious to those whom He came to save.
Come, Lord Jesus. Conquer and deliver this world, and us, forever.
