WHAT A FUN TIME OF THE YEAR IS THE CHRISTMAS SEASON! We enjoy all the festivities, music, food, gifts, and decorations; however, sometimes we miss The Real Meaning of Christmas.

As I get older, I have come to realize that it is truly far better to give than to receive.  I get great joy out of seeing the joy and excitement of others, especially my grandchildren. Helping those less fortunate than ourselves gives great joy as well.  We can all make the world a better place by showing love and grace to others.

Saying all that, as Christians we received the Greatest Gift ever given in the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ.  That gives me great joy, and real hope, that this life is not the end, but only the beginning.

As I write this message, today is my dad's birthday, December 16^th.  He was born in 1923, so he would be 97 years old, in human terms, today.  When he passed away, June 16, 2007, I was able to accept his passing due to the fact that he was a strong Christian with great faith in Our Lord.  I knew where he had gone, and where he would be always.

My dad, Lindsey Barron, was the founder of our firm, Lindsey's, Inc., and I celebrate, today, the wonderful father that he was to my brother, Frank, and me.  When I was small, he held my hand and watched over me and our entire family.  As I enter the home stretch of my life, I know that he and my mom, Genet Barron, gave me many Christmas gifts, but the greatest gift that they gave to me was teaching me to have faith in Our Lord Jesus, the baby born so long ago in Bethlehem.

In spite of all the difficult experiences of this life, I know that our world has hope, and that we can be optimistic, because a little baby was born in a manger over 2000 years ago.  That is the true and most wonderful meaning of Christmas, that God sent His Son to save all who would believe in Him.  The Greatest Gift of All!

Merry Christmas!

Chip Barron