One of the attributes of friendship is that it transcends time and space. Friends may be apart half way around the world, but the instant they get together it is like time and space never existed. This is not different with my friend Benoni and I. We became friends at seventeen and for a decade participate in the most memorable events of each other lives. This time in Rio we had the opportunity to catch up again.
After a long flight that began in Tyler, Texas we arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “O Rio de Janeiro continua lindo” (Rio de Janeiro continues to be beautiful) says the Cariocas, people from Rio. My sister Marli was waiting for us. We had lunch together; however, Rio was not our final destination, at least not for now. The next flight took us to Porto Alegre where Reinaldo, Carla’s brother, was waiting for us with uncle Urbano, and cousins Marlise e Maidi. Reinaldo drove us to Sao Leopoldo where his wife Rose was waiting for us with Felippe e Vitor. At the airport in Rio de Janeiro At the airport in Porto Alegre
Christmas lights are everywhere in East Texas. The yards of the houses on my street are decorated with nativity sets, stars, shepherds, sheep, and the wise men. I cannot forget about old Santa, Rudolf, and rain deer. Across the street, lights in the shape of letters spell for all those driving at night to see: “Happy Birthday Jesus!” The pandemic brought a sense of humanity finitude that creates a longing for the eternal. Longing for normalcy different from what we had before. Longing for a sense of peace and security that transcends our material understanding. And longing for any kind of stability. Nevertheless, uncertainty seems to be the new normal. But, the writings of the prophet Isaiah about the Messiah remind us that: “Of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:7) The rule and reign of Christ bring peace and joy that never ends. Before going to the Father, Jesus Christ made an affirmation to us, hi...
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