‘Twas the Night before Christmas tells us “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” Our favorite ornament is a mouse asleep in a matchbox. We received this ornament as a Christmas gift from Dr. Bob and Ruth McLeod in 1974.

There is a story of a Christmas mouse family. Dr. McLeod told us that every home needed a “Christmas mouse,” hence our sleeping mouse. As we decorate our Christmas tree each year, we think of the McLeods as we place this ornament on a lower branch on the front of our tree.

~ Ellie and Jim Threlkel

I Samuel 18:3-4

Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, including his sword and his bow and his belt.

Prayer

Dearest Friend, we thank You for our friends … for their gestures and the gifts given to us to seal our friendship. As time passes and friendship deepens, as years pass and changes occur in their or our lives, we are reminded of good times shared and of how dear our friends are to us. We thank You for the memories of those who have joined the Church Triumphant. Amen.