Every year before we begin filming our annual Christmas video, we huddle around the screen and watch the previous years’ videos. It gives us a chance to giggle at ourselves, and for Bert and I, to marvel at how much our children change each year. This year was no different.
But 2016 has shaken us in many ways. Not only is Isaac a junior in high school, he is a full IB diploma candidate, loves Knowledge Bowl and Model UN, and is making his list of potential colleges.
Amelia is a seventh grader and continues to excel in math and science and has been filling her art sketch book with what she hopes to turn into a graphic novel. She has also learned to knit and is planning on making sure all our heads are nice and warm.
Elias has added soccer and drum practice to his weekly fifth grade activities. He fills his spare time sketching new Pokeman-esque beings, playing video games, and writing stories.
Bert just had his second anniversary at Portland General Electric, and this is my ninth year working for Vancouver UCC. Work has been particularly “interesting” for me as the church suffered a catastrophic arson fire in May.
Today is the third Sunday of Advent – Joy. It is always my favorite week of Advent, as we take the time to bring joy to the forefront of our lives, no matter what our other emotions may be. And this year, especially, I am holding onto Joy. For while we’ve had many things to giggle about this year, it has also been a year that reminded us just how important it is to spread joy as much as possible.
We are missing Wendell Martin this Christmas time. He was a joy-filled man who made the world a kinder and gentler place and it is in his honor that we Martins went out and tried to share some Christmas joy this year.
May each of you “shake up the happiness, and wake up the happiness” not only at Christmas time, but all year long!
Martin Christmas Card 
Moved to tears and inspired to do something similar. It’s easy to pretend to be blind to the homelessness that surrounds us, and Jeff and I have vowed to do more than donate to the Food Bank here and the homeless shelter. We are determined to give more than just money. THANK YOU for this present!
Thanks for texting this to me Kristina. What a great idea-giving gifts, attention and hugs to the homeless. You are all an inspiration to me. Now I can text this to Megan and Amber and inspire them too. Merry Christmas and much love to you all!