Ellis is keen to sync up with the people in his world as he discovers his way forward.

Deanna and Lucy

The goodbyes started when Emma and Matt left our townhouse in Abbotsford to return to their home in Edmonton. How many times did I say goodbye from my pickup truck as I headed back up North? I am envious of them, in a good way, for all the fun they’ll have. Matt is working, Emma is studying, and they are building a tiny home out in the country.

Have you noticed that the better things are, the more difficult it is to say goodbye?

May God give you the best week ever!

Rick and Deanna.

We’ve just come through a season of celebrations and gift-giving. How did that go for you?

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:25-28).

The most challenging thing about Servant Leadership is finding the narrow path between 1) serving others and 2) teaching others to love serving others for the pure joy of pleasing God.

1. How can we teach those we influence to give to others for the pure joy of loving people as we love God?
2. How can we allow those around us to experience that joy by giving us gifts? Is this easier or harder for you?
3. Discuss possible motivations for giving gifts with your family or friends.

a) To receive gifts, like a trade.
b) To be noticed by others.
c) So people think you are a good person.
d) To bring others joy.
e) To bring yourself joy by causing another to feel loved or blessed.
f) Other reasons?

2. When people give you gifts, how do you feel?

a) I am embarrassed because they gave me such a nice gift. What do they expect from me?
b) I am embarrassed because they gave me such a poor gift. What do they think of me?
c) I live in the moment, finding a way to love people as I love God. Gifts may be an expression of God’s love. After all, God is constantly giving us innumerable gifts of incalculable worth.
d) Other?

3. Discuss how it is possible for some people to be more satisfied because they brought the best gift, even if no one knows they were the person who gave it. After all, the donor is supposed to remain anonymous in this game.

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’’ (Mt 22:37–39).

Your thoughts?

The beginning of many, many, many storytimes.

Christmas Eve – with Olivia’s husband’s Zack’s mom, Cindy.

Christmas Morning

Harold and Joan, Deanna’s parents who were deeply involved in the Xingu Mission in the early years, won a gift at a foster care event. They are still active foster parents in their 80s, and outstanding in their field. They might be the best foster parents in all of Canada. I think they are. They regifted their award to Anni for her exceptional sistering all year.

Boxing Day

Emma thought up a story and carefully painted it with acrylic paints onto canvas.

Favorite Photos

We walked along the Fraser River on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas. When I was a boy, the shortest way to get to Mission was across this one-lane train bridge. The new Mission Bridge considerably shortened our Sunday drive to Uncle Alfred’s farm. The Fraser River is near our house in Abbotsford. I hope you got some rest over the holidays and eagerly anticipate the New Year! Merry Christmas, and we wish you the best week so far!

We walked along the Fraser River on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas.

When I was a boy, the shortest way to get to Mission was across this one-lane train bridge.

The new Mission Bridge considerably shortened our Sunday drive to Uncle Alfred’s farm.

The Fraser River is near our house in Abbotsford.

I hope you got some rest over the holidays and eagerly anticipate the New Year!

Merry Christmas, and we wish you the best week so far!

As we journey through this heaven-on-earth season, I invite you to reflect on the power of paying it forward, cherish precious Christmas memories, and enjoy an insider look at our Hansen family gathering. Join Anni’s inspiring story at the food bank and explore my favorite photos from this week. This email is filled with warmth, joy, and moments that celebrate the essence of giving and togetherness. Let’s make this Christmas season unforgettable!