CHRISTMAS WAS A TIME OF MIXED EMOTIONS
Commentary 
Courtesy of Bill Ellis
Syndicated columnist

I am clinging to the “Twelve Days of Christmas” into the New Year of
2010. The month of
December and the first
week of another year
are times of mixed
emotions.

We miss family and
friends who are no
longer living, but for
years were an
important part of our
lives. As far back as I
can remember, my
parents and
grandparents were a
happy part of each
Christmas. Friends,
who are valued more
than precious jewels,
have added enjoyment,
counsel, pleasure and
blessing to my life.

C. J. Filbin, close friend
since I was four,
always sends a card of
greeting and we often talk on the phone. We have known each other through good times and bad times. Kitty and I enjoyed hearing from Gladys Williams, age 97, who writes beautifully, drives her own car and is as sharp as when she and Ornan were youth leaders at Peoples Church of God, Decatur, Illinois and well into their sixties and seventies.

Living in Decatur is my friend, Bob Fallstrom, a superb newspaper columnist and an excellent sports writer who now specializes in lifestyle writing. He was writing sports when we moved there in 1964. I always enjoy hearing from him.  Kitty and I received Christmas cards and written messages from young people and older people throughout the nation.

Friends staying in touch with each other, through both pleasant and difficult days, indicates a friendship that brings strength and stability to life.  We can take courage at the close of each year as well as the beginning of another in knowing we are not alone.  We do have genuine friends.

My mentor and close friend, Dr. Eugene W. Newberry, whom I have known since 1948, finished his life on this earth at the age of 94, two days before Christmas. He was a brilliant scholar, theologian, author, college professor, humorist and Dean of the Anderson University School of Theology. The Rev. C. H. Alford, college and graduate school classmate and good friend, in whose presence there was always laughter and blessing, died on Christmas day.

When I think of the real meaning and message of Christmas, I recall prophetic words about Jesus, written centuries before his birth, which state: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). You may have read this passage on Christmas cards you received.

Pastor Mitchell Burch, sent a Christmas greeting in which he quoted a friend whom I have known since our days with Youth for Christ International. Mitch quotes Warren Wiersbe, the author of more than 100 books, with writing: “Wonderful takes care of the dullness of life, Counselor takes care of the decisions of life, Mighty God takes care of the demands of life, Everlasting Father takes care of the dimensions of life, and Prince of Peace takes care of the disturbances of life.”

Frank Funk has been a dear friend since the days he managed the Decatur Commodores in Illinois. He was a Major League pitcher, winning minor league manager and a highly successful pitching coach in the Big Leagues for many years.

Frank and Sue make their home in Arizona. He always writes a personal message with each Christmas card. This year he wrote one of the nicest things anybody has ever said about me:  “You are as faithful as an old hound dog.” Only a college educated Big League pitcher could write so eloquently. Once I am your friend, I will never relinquish that honor.

Kitty and I wish you and your friends a very Happy New Year.

© 2010 Wm. C. Ellis
All Rights Reserved

Bill Ellis
Award Winning Syndicated Columnist
P. O. Box 345
Scott Depot, WV 25560
Phone: 304-757-6089
www.BillEllis.net