by Randy Harp
Merry Christmas! As the song states, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Yes, there is some stress that goes along with the season, but to many, it is still their favorite time of the year. We have our favorite Christmas traditions: decorating the tree, opening the “surprise” gift of pajamas on Christmas Eve, and driving around town looking at Christmas lights. We have our favorite Christmas movies and cartoons. We can even debate whether the Grinch is better as a 30-minute cartoon or a full-feature movie. Some even debate if Die Hard should be considered a Christmas movie at all. We have our favorite Christmas food and sweets, possibly my favorite part. And we all have our favorite memories. Most of these memories include time with family.
This year I am blessed to officially start building memories with two new members of my family. No, no one in my family got married and no one delivered any babies. So how did my family grow? My brother and sister-in-law recently, after a year of foster care, adopted the two most precious girls. One of my favorite sounds is hearing my little nieces yell, “Uncle Randy” and come running to me. I can honestly say I love them just as if they were part of my blood family. God has taught me so much about my adopted relationship with Him through this process. BBFI missionaries Patrick and Ann Janel McClure do an outstanding job writing in this issue on the doctrine of adoption and how it relates to the Christmas story.
A second feature article I think you will enjoy is “Christmas Around the World.” We solicited feedback from our missionaries on various aspects of Christmas. I really enjoyed reading through their email responses as they came in and I am sure you will like hearing all the ways people celebrate Christmas. Steve Van Winkle rounds out our feature articles in an illustrative way that only he can.
As I wrap up my first full year as editor of the Tribune I am anxious to hear some feedback from you. It was in this same space last December that I encouraged our readers to participate in an online survey to help me understand them a little better. We are doing the same this year. Would you take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about your thoughts on the Baptist Bible Tribune and the new BBFI Communication Office? You can access the survey by scanning the QR code to the right or by visiting www.tribune.org/surveys. I look forward to another year at the Tribune and introducing you to a few new features as we roll out the new year next month.
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve Christ as I serve you.