A Christmas Prayer

As a university freshman, Mari was an enthusiastic member of her college choir.  Most memorable for her was participating in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in a campus Christmas celebration at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.  She has often related the soaring hope and confirmation of faith that evolved from the rising thunder of the music and the adapted lyrics of the finale.  The memory of the Ode to Joy forever warms her heart and soothes a restless soul.  Lyrics sung so long ago still provide strength to this very day:

Be embraced, millions!

This kiss for the whole world!

Brothers, above the starry canopy

Must a loving Father dwell.

Do you bow down, millions?

Do you sense the Creator, world?

Seek Him beyond the starry canopy!

Beyond the stars must He dwell.

Some forty years later and in mountain foothills on the other side of the continent, another clear and icy Christmas eve brings renewed hope and faith.  Tio Pat, Tia Zoila and their children, Lucia Patricia and Wilson, arrived from Panama on Wednesday to spend their holiday in the boundless hospitality of Kurt and Bea.  We will join together this evening for an expanded family dinner in the Stone House, reminiscing on the past and ruminating about our futures.

Our temporary home is decorated with tree and trimmings and festive lights, a constant log fire warming us.  What brings us most cheer and warmth are the innumerable gifts of love and friendship offered over these past months; they float about in this Glass House and comfort Kelly and her family at every moment.

The five of us witnessed the lunar eclipse earlier this week; a beautiful moon colored the red of the Sedona cliffs crossed quietly under a great clear canopy of stars.  On this Christmas eve, we announce again our faith in God and his mercy and our love for family and friends.  God bless each of you and keep you healthy and hardy.

The Dillons


Christmas Eve

Our Angel.
A gift to Kelly from Sister Barbara and Sister Dina from MUCEC
Colon, Republica de Panama

 One of Kelly's many ornaments she has collected from our time in NY.

A beautiful arrangement of tulips sent to Kelly from her friend Stevie Bowman.

Mom and Pops hard at work preparing for our family feast!