Merry Christmas!

It's a beautiful December morning here in the Big Thicket!  The sky is clear, the sun is shining brightly through the trees, and it's 32 degrees outside - perfect!


As we approach Christmas, I find the days getting shorter and my list getting longer.  I wanted to take just a minute to remind us all to remember that this should be a season of great joy.  The very essence of the spirit of Christmas is one of peace, patience, kindness, joy, love, giving, and great hope.  Please don't get so caught up in all the buying and planning and partying that you forget the reason we celebrate this season.  The Christ child brought with Him the hope of glory; let this be foremost in your mind as you spend time with family and friends.  


Make this Christmas special.  Use the story of Christmas to witness to the store clerks, bank tellers, waitresses, fellow shoppers, everyone you might come in contact with as you plan for that special day of celebration.   Purchase gifts that are meaningful to the recipient; perhaps something that reminds them of a special time or event in their lives.  I just read (on Pinterest) about a family that performs random acts of kindness for the first 24 days of December.  This is something Moi and I are considering for next Christmas.


Make memories; reinforce traditions.  Every year, my husband reads the story of Christmas before we open gifts.  Every Christmas I add a new bell with the date written on it to each stocking.  We try to watch one Christmas movie every day; our very favorite is "Christmas in Canaan".  


Start a new tradition.


In short, enjoy your Christmas holiday! 


From my family to yours, may your Christmas be filled with love and laughter, peace and comfort, and may you rest in the truth of this Christmas:   "For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."      
John 3:16


Be blessed!