Even though the weather was warm and the sun was bright, the Sunday afternoon at Morning Star Ranch was a wonderful time for families from some of the Christ the Victor churches of the Midwest to gather for the annual Christmas in the Country festivities. For many of the people who came this has become a tradition that enables them to bring extended family and show them a little bit of what Christmas is about.
The afternoon included a wagon ride through the pasture, crafts in the pavilion, Christmas cookie decorating, family photos around the Christmas tree, visiting around the fire and a whole lot more! And with absolutely gorgeous weather most of the people were glad to be outside! For the churches, this is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate and declare a little more about the good news: a Savior has been born. The walks and talks as people rode a hay wagon up to the cross that offers a stunning view out across the country, and then walked back down a path through the woods, helped to slow down a little in the midst of all the busyness that tends crowd their lives during this season.
As the sun started to set, people headed into a welcoming dining hall, gathered for a meal together, and and enjoyed an Advent program. It was a special time of sharing food and encouraging conversation with families and friends. Pastors from the churches walked through the lighting of the Advent candles, carefully explaining the meaning and significance of each aspect, allowing children to join in. As the message and songs were shared in Spanish and English, all were able to enjoy and engage fully to affirm Christ's first coming and anticipate His second coming.
A wonderful group of ladies who comes to Morning Star Ranch each summer volunteered to knit or crochet nearly 200 bells to give away to all who came for Christmas in the Country! What a special treat to hear the words of that carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” and then take home a little reminder that indeed:
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead nor doth He sleep,
The wrong shall fail,
The right prevail
With peace on earth, goodwill to man!