Christmas Day 2022

A note from the Leininger’s - Composed by Aravis & Jason

Merry Christmas! 

We are celebrating in our home just east of Springfield, MO. 

The outside looks like a winter wonder land. One of the kids said, this is the first Christmas where we have had snow on the ground. We are glad for the snow, but we could do without the bitter cold. These conditions do make us wonder about the challenges that Holy Family endured, not only in Bethlehem, but throughout the early years, when little kings tried to take out the real King. We are thankful the true light came into the world, to bring help, healing, and hope.

The year of 2022 has flown by. 

In January we said farewell to Asa as he began a trek to England for a semester abroad. He returned in early June. Along the way he visited Greece and Italy. He is hopeful for a return trip. 

In February we made a quick trip to Kentucky to see Moses & Emily, and many other dear friends. Before arriving in Wilmore we stopped in Louisville for the National Farm Machinery Show. It was a quick stop, but it was like a shot of adrenaline for this farm kids heart. Anna, Aravis, & Kyrie were kind in allowing this revelry. 

Moses & Emily are generally doing great and having more fun than two newlyweds should be allowed to have. They have fantastic community around them. They are working, studying, and serving in a church plant in Lexington. We are thrilled for them, and just a smidge jealous of friends, Diane & Kathi Leigh Munoz, who get to see them more than we do. But we couldn’t be more grateful for the community of Christ that creates strong bonds. 

In the springtime Aravis & Kyrie were active in show preparation and presentation at Springfield Little Theater. They were in the shows Percy Jackson the Musical, and SpongeBob. 

In the summer we set out for Michigan enjoying time with family, the beach, and a memorable visit with my grandmother. Grandma Leininger has dementia and is in the very good care of my Aunt Paula. Grandma is 91, is rather agile, and has become quite the trickster in her state. She gave us some good laughs, even as we know Aunt Paula has her hands full in giving her excellent care. 

In the summer Aravis also had the joy of traveling with Springfield Little Theater to New York. She saw several shows, took some tours, and participated in a couple of workshops. A fun time was had by all. 

In the fall, Asa began his senior year at Missouri State, double majoring in History and Theater. Aravis began her senior year of High School. Kyrie turned 14 and is a Freshman. Anna continues to homeschool the girls and is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Kyrie was in School of Rock the musical at Springfield Little Theater. As that show wrapped up Aravis started work at Silver Dollar City (SDC), playing the part of the sister to Tiny Tim in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This is her third year playing that role. This year, she was included as an adult in one of the dance numbers. She has decided pursuing work in the entertainment world is her next step. What that looks like has yet to be fully determined. 

Anna has played a major role in Aravis’ work at SDC, driving to Branson most of the 5 day-a-week schedule. Rather routinely she makes some kind of treat to share with the cast of fine actors from around the country. In November she had a big birthday - turning 50! We were able to celebrate on a night when all the kids were here. 

In the fall I planted wheat on 5 of our 10 acres. I am having fun experimenting with growing grasses and grains on this plot of land. I also began to put the finishing touches on a book that I hope will be available in early 2023. Its working title is On Becoming a Leader: A Journey with Joseph. It will be available through Amazon. 

Writing a year in review is incredibly difficult. There are so many details, so many funny stories that are left out, so many wonderful visits of friends and family that we haven’t even described, some real disappointments and some exhilarating memories that had to be skipped over. We are grateful for all of these, and more, because they are all marks of God’s grace, that is at work shaping us, and leading us into a good and beautiful life. We are so glad to call you friend and send you these greetings! 

We close with a picture captured at Schweitzer Church’s Christmas Eve service, and the opening lines from O Holy Night!

O Holy Night!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!