An Inklings Christmas celebration

For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.

Ralph Waldo Emerson
There can be some sad times at Christmas--perhaps for family far away, or broken relationships, or difficulties. Yet, as those filled with the Spirit of Christ, we are called to bring redemption, community, love and feasts into the life of our home so that we can remember the Life of Him who came into darkness to bring light, beauty, love and redemption. We miss our family and have missed close family relationships over the years, as circumstances have separated us from those we love and are our relations. 
We have learned, in the midst of these years, to bring into our home, that, though they will never replace our family, will instead be those who bring the love of Christ's family to our lives and hearts.
What fun we had last night as we celebrated with our new friends--the Inklings reading, writing and discussion a precious friend, Deb Weakly,  and I started for our teens this fall. There is always great discussion over a book by an English author, food and fun. Last night, we decided it was time to get to know the parents of these stalwart, civilized, hilarious teens
.
First a feast and talking about family history.
 
Then a reading outloud of Tolkien's Christmas letters to his children.
(Joy was particularly fond of her purple socks that matched her shirt. :)

And finally an ending with singing of Carols. What fun we had as we made new friends and celebrated life together. 

Please tell me what some of you are doing this Season to celebrate with your friends!

Now I am off to Nashville to celebrate Christmas with Joy and Sarah with my sister-friend of old, Gwennie. She came to my home for 28 years, so now that she is with her sweet elderly mom, it is our turn to repay the favor! Better go pack! Have a great weekend!