In all the years our family has lived in the same town, we've enjoyed Sunday evening suppers together. For a few special years, a nephew and his family also were residents of our small city and I recall the pure satisfaction of having fourteen family members share our Thanksgiving turkey and trimmings. As the years have gone by our two oldest granddaughters moved to Ontario and Saskatchewan to attend university. Our eldest son accepted a "too good to be refused" job offer on the prairies; being in the same province and medical profession as their daughter sweetened the pot. Nephew, his wife and their three children also moved on so we're down to just five of us now. Even that hasn't diminished the joy we experience at being together, though, because spending with those you love isn't determined solely by the number of bodies occupying space.
        This evening was no exception. Following supper our son, his wife and their daughter got down on the living room floor to play a "designed by a five-year old" soccer game. It was loud and I honestly don't know if there were any guidelines but there sure was a lot of hearty laughter. In fact, I don't recall ever hearing the three of them so overcome with hilarity. I didn't want it to end and only the looming bedtime hour brought the game to an end.
         In a world filled with pain and tears, God longs to be our hiding place; in a time of sorrow and loss, He offers joy.
        "As for those who grieve over Zion, God has sent me to give them a beautiful crown in exchange for ashes, to anoint them with gladness instead of sorrow, to wrap them in victory, joy, and praise instead of depression and sadness." (Psalm 61:3)
        That's why Jesus came.
