A CHANGE OF IMAGE ?

HERE WE ARE AGAIN AT CHRISTMAS! Yet it is almost seems surprising to see Christmas images represented on our stamps. The topmost group here depicted are not too bad - the two at the left presumably being 'angels'. But the three lower ones, which are the ones we have been receiving here, might be almost anything or anyone. The 90 could almost be a terrorist as much as a shepherd. What was being stuck on envelopes at Christmas FORTY years back in 1969?

This 5d is very colourful, and somehow carries a more relative idea - We immediately are taken out of the picture to the 'heavenly choir of angels' as we follow the gaze of the shepherds upward, and the lamb does not merely add to the idea of 'shepherds' but carries us to the Stable and beyond to the Cross on which was slain God's Lamb for the sins of the world.

The one below from USA merely reminds us of the Christmas Season with nostalgic glimpse of a winter scene. Nothing there of Christ except for the church. It could have been almost any time of worship. But even so, it does quietly remind us that there is a GOD.

AND finally the 5c from Australia once more portrays Mary and baby Jesus the Saviour of the world. It is encouraging to observe that HE is still in some way remembered as we write to one another. But for how long? In our Kenya Daily Nation we find a warning of the changes that might completely eradicate Christ from our pictorial correspondence. Why even stamps altogether might soon be merely a passing

memory. Today's DAILY NATION here in Kenya, tells us that .......

'Only a handful of people

are sending Christmas Cards!

The majority have embraced the new

technological marvels..'

It is obvious that with the advent of Electronic mail, mobile phones and SMS, Face Book and other such facilities, personal correspondence in writing is on the way out - including perhaps what we have understood as acceptable language and grammar. Certainly the need for stamps may also become less and less needful.

The GREAT SLIDE into change really begun in the 60s. I must say that I preferred the Christmases of the 40 and 50s to those of today. The pace and insecurity of life in the 2nd millennium has taken Peace and Joy further away.

MY OFFICE SHUT yesterday. Only a few of our total staff remaining on duty until the 23rd December when they too will leave us to enjoy Christmas with their families. returning on the 28th.

I attended the Graduation of the Students who had completed their Certificate Course on Early Childhood Development - including two of our current staff, and one of our old boys now married and running a Charitable Children's Home of his own. I had been one of the lecturers, and the Lord helped me through - though five hours a day for eight days was quite much. I spent the mornings there at the college and then spent the afternoons attending to Homes business.

I had not looked forward to the eight days extra work, and was very relieved to have the Lord bring me through unscathed! But perhaps a little tired.

A very large number of our children are busy this week rehearsing for the Christmas Concert which will in fact take place TONIGHT in the School Hall. There will be Carols, and a Christmas Play all arranged and directed by Carol Green. She has worked tirelessly and done well. We expect the 500 seat hall to be packed out with friends and well wishers who annually like to attend.

Last night our NEW Toyota Voxy 8 seater was crashed into by an eleven seater Mini-bus (a matatu) used as a public taxi. No one was hurt, and we were able to retrieve it from the Police until Monday when we have to go back to them with it for examination. The drivers side rear sliding door was completely destroyed. Nothing else was damaged. We may not be able to get a replacement in Kenya, which will mean ordering a complete door from Japan! We hope the Insurance will pay up since it was very definitely not our fault - the Matatu had no breaks, and the driver was drunk!!! Christmas Cheer!. Well it WAS very upsetting but once again we have to remember that 'GOD is good all the time' and that even in this happening good can and no doubt WILL come. Praise the Lord!

TWO new children will be admitted on Monday. Two boys aged 8 and 10 years. Both orphaned by Aids which took their parents. Both have other relatives, but none of them will offer to care for them since they are convinced the children will pass on the AIDS to them (even though the boys themselves do not have the virus!). They have been bounced from place to place for the last eight months living out of a shared suitcase. We hope they will find JESUS as a friend and Saviour this Christmas time.

NEXT Saturday will be Boxing Day.......Christmas will almost be over. All the children and staff from all four Homes should be together that day for an 'aqua pic-nic'!! We usually all go off to a Swimming pool complex about 4 kilometres away for swimming and a pic-nic. It has been a kind of annual event for years, and even some of our old boys and girls join us.

God Bless and wrap you each around with His Love and Favour.

John and Esther