POST 32/2025 GOSHEN IN: Miles later, we’re back home. It has been a bit more than a week since we returned from a splendiferous time with friends in California. The time was grand. Walks were wonderful. Food, festive. Events engaging. Travel smooth. The weather was so unlike winter here that we’ve stayed in more than usual; wouldn’t you know it, nursing colds. Oh, for a lemon from Linda’s tree. So be it.

We’re embracing Advent and the holiday season. Music at church lifts one’s voice, spirit and mind. Hope, Peace, Love, Joy. So be it.

It may be unusual, but I’m posting our Christmas letter for this blog. I’m sadly still dealing with computer issues, especially memory (our computer’s capacity, that is). A 12-year-old could solve many of these matters in a nanosecond. Meanwhile, I just natter on. I do have some satisfaction, nevertheless, if not fun, in deleting big bunches of photos. So be it.

Christmas Greetings! 2025

John & Marty Bender

AN ANGEL sits atop our tree. Ornaments cluster, laden with memories. Presents wait below. Wreaths are up. Music fills the room. We pause for a cup of tea.

Our Christmas décor marks connections with people and places near and far. They’re like an angelic choir heralding the birth of the Christ-child who fulfilled God’s promise of a Messiah. God’s gift made it possible for people and nature to live in harmony and peace.

Still, one is tempted to tell God, “It’s impossible.” 

“Fear not,” the angel said. God reigns. Through Jesus’ birth, life, death, resurrection, and presence as Lord of the church, we are free to live new lives. Charles Wesley in 1739 captured this newness: “Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.’ Joyful all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies.  With th’angelic host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!” 

In 2025, we were blessed with visits and events from Cornwall, UK, to Ontario, Indiana, Michigan and California. We’re grateful for all our companions, both at home and on the road. An African proverb counsels, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Thank you for helping us connect with you and the world without and within.    

Bells at Mission San Juan Capistrano, CA

The year included saying goodbye to dear ones who entered glory: Doris, (Marty’s sister), Monica (friend in Cornwall), Don (husband of Grace, John’s cousin), Gerald (our brother-in-law), Wray (John’s cousin). May they rest in peace.

Whence in 2026? We’ll sally forth living in the grace and guidance of Jesus’ word to Nicodemus (John 3:8), “The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Olive-wood Crèche, gift from Ken & the late Kass Seitz

Cornishman Sir John Betjeman (1906-1984) wrote: “And is it true? And is it true, / This most tremendous tale of all / Seen in a stained-glass window’s hue, / A Baby in an ox’s stall?”

Yes!

Book, at library at Rancho Los Cerritos, Long Beach, CA

Warmest good wishes for a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year!