- a quaintly decorated log cabin, perfect for a Christmas in Alaska
- snuggling with my husband under our Christmas quilt, watching a Christmas classic while sipping something warm to drink in the glow of the lights from our Christmas tree
- decorating Christmas cookies with three cheerful 'elves'(well, 4 if you count Torrey:)
- hearing my baby boy say the words "Baby Jesus" while playing with his nativity set. (it actually sounds more like "beebee ZeeZus")
- Watching Gracie play dress up, wanting to be "just like Mary"
- Hearing Ana explain to her brother and sister that "Christmas is about GIVING, not GETTING".)
- listening to my Casting Crowns Christmas CD - LOVE IT!
- Christmas programs and parties
- reading Christmas books
- on-line Christmas shopping - (again, LOVE IT!)
- snow (it's all good until January 1!:) for a white Christmas
- Christmas cards with Christmas photos
- Christmas break - no school for 16 days!
...these are only a few of the many things for me to love about this time of year. But as much as I love them and as good as I think they are - I can allow them to become a distraction, a pacifier or an excuse to replace my Jesus - the real reason to celebrate, the real reason for my joy. I've been so quick to 'take in' the many things on my list above, believing they alone can provide great comfort and joy, only to realize that I've let them take the place of all that Jesus offers - not only at Christmas, but every day of the year.
Father, I thank you for all of my 'favorite things'. They are gifts from you. And though they bring great joy, the Son you sent for me on a Christmas long ago is the true meaning of joy in my heart. Help me not to cover that gift up with things of this world, with the 'feeling' of comfort that I get from something that is not YOU. May the joy that comes from the gift of your Son be the joy that flows from my heart into the lives of those around me...and may that somehow be a gift to You. Amen.
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1 comment:
I'm so thankful that your joy and your hope are found in our Savior...that it's Him who brings meaning and purpose to our hearts and lives.
I smile at the thought of you snuggled up in your cozy little cabin, celebrating the gift of Jesus. Though many miles separate us, I know our hearts are so united in praise and adoration to our newborn King.
And on one more note---Casting Crowns' Christmas cd IS amazing! Can't wait to hear you two sing "God Is With Us" someday...hint, hint. :) We love you!
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