I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday and are looking forward to an exciting 2010. This year has been difficult for many people and I know many of you are discouraged. We have seen many pet owners struggling to be able to properly care for their beloved pets. I hope that you can reflect on the true meaning of this Christmas season and find hope in the celebration of the birth of Christ. One of my favorite Bible verses is found in the book of Job. Job had lost everything and was miserable, yet he said to his friends œAsk the animals and they will teach you, or the birds of the air and they will show you ¦.in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.  I urge you to look at your pets today and this week. That loving, forgiving, accepting animal that dances with joy every time you come home is a reflection of our loving, forgiving, accepting God who wants to be with us so much that He came to earth and then died for us.

Whether the holidays make you happy or sad, I hope you have some furry friends to snuggle with. Give them all an extra hug for me and then see if you don ™t find God reflected in their love for you. Merry Christmas.