Last week during the full moon, we were invited by another church to go on a moonlight hike at the McClure Pass. I looked at Jon and said MOONLIGHT HIKE!!! Even if the bears are sleeping, mountain lions do not hibernate!! How do we see? You know it is also pretty cold at night. Well I decided to go along in spite of possible life threatening danger!!

The drive up to McClure Pass was beautiful! Again at 8000 plus feet there is no way to explain the brilliance of a full moon. We began the hike with the few folks who had gathered. We had views of the mountains with the moon reflecting off the snow covered peaks that took my breath away. I was teary eyed seeing God 's creation in the brilliant light of a full moon.

As we continued along we would pass among the fir trees and the leaf bare Aspens. The white Aspen bark also reflected the moon's light. The snow glistened like tiny diamonds. It was invigorating!

I asked one of the fellow hikers about the mountain lions. He responded nonchalantly "Oh, I don't worry about that. If a mountain lion pounces on you, you will be dead before you know it. Now a bear is a different story!" I didn't ask for any other explanations on the wildlife!!!

As Jon and I walked the snow covered trail with the stars overhead and the bright full moon showing us the way, I thought of shepherds long long ago:

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2;8-18