October Newsletter, 2026
It’s no secret; I’m a big sports fan. Baseball, football and hockey occupy my thoughts and interests when the World Series, Super Bowl and Stanley Cup are being played. Statistics and data are right there in my memory bank all the way back to Carl Yastrzemski winning the Triple Crown in 1967. I may have trouble remembering your name but I remember he wore #8 for the Boston Red Sox. And I remember eating hoagie sandwiches, watching double-headers with my brother at Fenway Park. It was idyllic.
Then in conversation one day, I asked, Char, about her recollections of when she experienced her greatest happiness. She didn’t hesitate. “Our wedding day. The birth of our daughter, Dayna. And the birth of our grandsons, Grant and Will.”
“Without a doubt,” she continued, “those were the most euphoric days of my life!”
Somehow the hoagie was diminished.
To be honest I was ashamed that my memories of ball games and sandwiches had eclipsed our wedding day and birthdays. But I did do some soul searching and discovered great meaning in the word, “euphoria.” We can talk about, elation, ecstasy, bliss, exhilaration and jubilation and get very close to understanding what the word means. Then I happened to read the story of the Prodigal Son in the Gospel of Luke and was stopped cold when the narrative described the father’s response. He ordered a gold ring, sandals, robe and a fatted calf because, “my son was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found. And they began to be merry.” Interestingly the word “merry” is repeated twice. The Greek word is “euthumeo” which means to be of good cheer, elated or thrilled. We derive the English word euphoria from it. Although the word, “merry” is often under-used or mis-used it has a powerful meaning. We say “Merry Christmas” as a greeting of favor and blessing. The classic, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” includes the lyrics, “Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day…” Billy Graham and C.H. Spurgeon both comment on the verses describing the multitude of Angels who announced the birth of a Savior, Christ the Lord; that their reaction was one of deep, jubilant and reverent praise. They were euphoric to be sure.
If you don’t mind me saying so, the restoration story of the Prodigal son and the birth of the Savior are reasons for euphoria. Merry is the result when death becomes life and lost is found. At this Christmas season will you allow “merry” to be your response knowing that, “unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; …and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”? (Isaiah 9:6)
Our Christmas celebration this year can be far greater than hustle and bustle. Your schedule doesn’t have to be fast-paced, crowded and loud. It can be euphoric, merry; knowing that your Heavenly Father loves you so much that, “He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) That beats a sandwich any day!
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Christmas gifts and toys!
We’re making a list, checking it twice…and getting ready for our Christmas trips to Native American reservations to deliver loads of goodies to children and families. You can help us with your prayers and financial gifts to enable this ministry. These Christmas trips are so popular and anticipated. Thank you for helping us. May God bless you abundantly!