In Which We Get A Christmas Tree

On a wintry morning, we set out to find our Christmas tree!

Sheriff decided to accompany us :)

Here comes Dad -- now we can head out!

Some lovely neighbors let us look on their property. Here three of our guys lead the way...

Some other searchers...

See -- Sheriff really did come with us! :)

The guys visiting a bit with our neighbor

Deborah decides to measure herself using the tape we brought to measure Christmas tree possibilities. They always look so small in the field, and turn out so large indoors! ;)

Berries

Looking on our property now, Andrew brought the three-wheeler along, even through the forest trail! :)

"That one looks nice!"

Micah isn't too sure. ;)

One of our two puff-head chickens ;)

The other one. ;) Our younger ones love them!

And -- at last, we've decided! Andrew takes the saw to it.

No, we didn't bring it home this way -- although the dogs could stand in for our cats. ;)

Or this way...

This is what my great brothers chose to do the honors! The size is rather deceptive -- this huge former box truck makes the tree look small. :) But we love big trees!

Ready to go on the tree...

Nathaniel is our Christmas lights professional

Here he is, working his magic... :) :)

Stephen patiently waits, ready to decorate when Nathaniel gives the word...

At last! :) :) :) What a precious, blessed thing it is to have children around the house!!!!

That evening, we went to a glorious Christmas concert by the Sherman Symphony Orchestra -- Ben played in it, of course!

Ah! What worlds music can open!

And here is our tree, waiting to welcome us home!!!

But better than all the glorious festivity of this season -- though underlined and brought out more radiantly by it -- is the wonderful reason for the celebration: Christ's birth. When I contemplate how He humbled Himself, giving up the glory and perfection of Heaven, to come as a baby to earth; to sweat, face trouble and toil, and die in agony for us -- it takes my breath away.