One of my favorite parts about returning to live in my home state of Virginia is visiting the numerous historical places here. And there is no better place to celebrate the Christmas holidays than Colonial Williamsburg, where we recently experienced its annual Grand Illumination. As the above picture suggests the town is specially decorated festively for the season, and the fireworks display is second to none.
Linda and I also enjoyed worshipping at the circa 1715 Bruton Parish church where we were reminded that the Christ of Christmas is the reason for the season amid all the pomp and circumstance of the fife and drum corps, strolling carolers, and other colonial themed celebrants. And the highlight of our visit was my reunion with a sister whom I had not seen in more than five decades!
As I contemplate our bountiful blessings I am reminded of one specific way Linda and I have chosen to “pay it forward” with gifts that keep giving and that is by registering as organ donors. Contrary to other nations, America’s donor registry is an opt-in system rather than an opt-out one so that contributes to the more than 100,000 people currently waiting for a donation. And tragically that means that several people die each day for lack of one.
In the spirit of the season, consider signing up to be an organ donor and potentially save several lives in the process. You can register online through your state registry or in person at your local motor vehicle department like we did. If you use an iPhone you can sign up through the Health application and you may also visit here for more information about donating. Merry Christmas you all!