Out walking one snappy bright day I clicked a picture of these happy fish freshly adorning the gradeschool fence in our neighborhood…And I was reminded of the ‘happy fish’ song, Los Peces in El Rio, that our family is fond of at this time of year. It’s a rendition by Mannheim Steamroller [Click here to listen as you read] that has added spice to our Christmas music collection over the years but it wasn’t until this year that I realized it is indeed a traditional Spanish carol, all about the happy fish in the river delighting in Jesus’ birth, in contrast to the young mother, Mary, going about her mundane chores… Something for sure gets lost in the literal translation but it’s a happy song and I love the idea of the fish swimming about in delight that Jesus has come ( :
Meanwhile, the brilliant freezing weather here has been a treat and has transformed muddy spots to marvels.
And sodden fallen leaves to gems.
Isn’t that just how it will be one glad bright day just ahead?!
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.
(I Cor.15:51-53) 
In the meantime, we watch and wait, sometimes with tears, for the better days that are coming!
Here’s hoping you are making the transition into the New Year, from holiday to mundane days with grace and glory—and the heart of a happy fish eager for Jesus’ coming!
—LS
