Christmas Dinner at Dr. William Watsons

Cody and I were invited for Christmas dinner at Randy Watson's brother's home in Lakewood. Bill's home is a skip and a hop from my old home in Lakewood on 23rd and Iris.

Bill lives with his wife of 21 years, Carolyn along with their three children, Beth, Anna and David. Carolyn and Bill met in London while Bill was studying at Oxford in Cambridge. Carolyn is from New Zealand.

The Watsons also house various people from off the street who are experiencing life difficulties and need a safe environment. The Watsons are the epitome of Christ's love for the downtrodden and marginalized. It seems to me that too often believers steeped in orthodox theology are not as concerned with "praxis" or living out their faith. Sometimes they seemed obsessed with dogma and not living as Christ lived. This is not the case with the Watsons.

Carolyn is involved in her own ministry called "Mean Street" in downtown Denver. The specifics of this ministry are not known by me.

In any case, regarding the dinner: both turkey and lamb were served along with mashed potatoes, peas, stuffing along with a plenteous supply of pastries and pies. Both red and white wine were made available along with sparkling apple/grape juice cider.

Eating commenced immediately after I sanctioned same by giving the blessing.

A little background on Bill needs to be given. He is a Fulbright Scholar who studied in Moldavia in Russia where, incidentally, I still have relatives residing. He has his Masters of Divinity and his PhD in 17th and 18th Century religious history. He also studied history at Oxford in Cambridge.

Later he served as a linguist with US military intelligence. He has studied abroad in over 32 countries and is fluent in many languages. He and I spoke in Russian which I learned in College.

Bill is currently a professor of religious history at Colorado Christian University located just a few blocks from his home.

Theology and the current state of Christianity was the hot topic discussed around the dinner table. Bill purposely purchased an inexpensive and unshowy home in a lower middle class neighborhood even as his compensation from his professorship and book sales have risen dramatically over the ensuing years. He believes that consumerism and ostentatious living is out of sync for Christians.

Cody, Randy, Glenda and I were the last to leave. On my way out, Bill autographed his old Thompson Chain Reference Bible he purchased in 1972 and gave it to me as a gift. Needless to say I was flabbergasted with his generosity. I have made another lifetime friend and brother.

After goodbyes and hugs we traveled back to Randy and Glenda's home in Lone Tree on snow and ice packed roads. Incidentally, Randy and Glenda presented me with a Christmas gift of a very warm and thick flannel shirt. They are the best of friends for sure.

Today, the day after Christmas we are headed up to Idaho Springs to the coffee shop. We expect it to be a busy day.

The first photo depicted shows Bill signing the Thompson Bible he gave me as a gift. The last photo shows the snow that fell while we enjoyed ourselves at the Watsons.

This year has been an exciting year of making new friends learning new skills and learning to lean on the wisdom of Christ. And, Christmas Day was the cap to a great year.

Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

BR Schoenbein
December 26, 2015- Saturday
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