THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS

"The night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature is stirring not even a mouse."

Yeah, right!  Who in the world wrote this?  The night before Christmas, Dad is putting toys together, Mom is cooking, wrapping, cleaning and stressing! The week before Christmas the traffic is insane, the stores are packed and everyone is stressed over what they have left on their 'to do' list.

  

I hear everyone around me discussing all they have left to do and all they will be doing this weekend.  How many places they have to go on Christmas Day, how many gifts they have to take and how much food they will eat.  Oh and this year, how they are going to find time to go to Church, since of all things, Christmas is on Sunday!!

Where and when did we lose it?  The Christ in Christmas.  When did it turn into XMAS?  Xtra busy, Xtra crazy. Xtra loud, Xtra,  Xtra, Xtra! 

Baby Jesus got lost in the wrapping paper, the cookie dough, the shopping, the lights and the decorations. 

As I stand in the midst of the whirlwind it makes me even more thankful that my family celebrates Thanksgiving for Christmas.  I am truly enjoying the season, and spending time reflecting on the past year, my relationship with Jesus and what I want next year;  a closer walk, more time spent with Him, less of the world and more of the Word. 

Remember the real reason for the season, Jesus Christ was born, God came to earth wrapped in flesh, Immanuel, God with us. He came upon a midnight clear on a silent night in a manger, no hustle no bustle, just a few shepherds, some animals and young parents who believed.

Have a blessed Christmas

"This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased" Luke 2:12-14

MY CHRISTMAS LIST OF BLESSINGS

I received this Christmas Card from a very dear friend today.  Although she did not write it, she said "it's certainly what I feel".  I feel the same way about all of you, my sweet friends, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to let you know.

My Christmas List is more than just a way to keep track of 

The special people God has brought into my life to love.

It's like a treasured scrapbook filed with pleasant memories

Of all the times God has answered prayer through friends and family 

Every name's a touchstone that leads to a place and time,

Where God has used another's heart to reach out and touch mine.

It may have happened years ago or even yesterday,

But every person on my list has changed my life some way.

through simple conversation, a warm hug or a shared meal,

Every person on my list has helped me grow or heal, 

Or laugh or love or learn or smile....the blessings never end.

As God allows our paths to cross as family and friends.

So please know that this greeting is more than a Christmas wish.

It's a "thank you" card to God for putting on my list

Each and every one whose name I've come to hold so dear...

those who've shown me Christmas joy each day of the year.

This reminded me to do something I did a couple of years ago.  I saved all the Christmas cards we received, put them in a basket beside my favorite chair.  Each morning during my quiet time, I took out a card and prayed for that person or family.  Sometimes I knew of specific needs, other times I just prayed for God's hand of protection and mighty love to cover them.  

During this busy season of Advent, continue to take time in quiet prayer for your family and friends.

"you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many." 

2 Corinthians 1:11

FIRST CHRISTMAS

FIRST CHRISTMAS........

Santa seemed so real

Santa didn't seem so real

In a new house

With a new spouse

Without a spouse

In a new job

Without a job

In a new town

Out of town

With Cancer

Cancer free

Without a parent

Without a grandparent

As a grandparent

With a new baby

Waiting for a baby

Deployed

Home alone

After divorce

After the death of a loved one

Reunited with a loved one

With Jesus in our heart

Some of our First Christmas's are filled with happiness.  Some are filled with sadness.  All should be filled with joy. Joy that our God loved us so much that He came to earth as a tiny baby to grow and live among us. Immanuel. Joy that despite or in spite of our circumstances God loves us unconditionally, cares for us, and treasures us.   We are God's treasure, His child, His precious one. 

This Advent Season let us focus on the true First Christmas. 

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6