It's Different This Year...

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”…Luke 2:11-12

Christmas…is another favorite time of the year for me!!

I love decorating…baking goodies…hosting get-togethers…shopping…celebrating with co-workers as we gather around lots of home-baked goodies…attending Christmas programs…and most importantly, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Since I normally decorate early for fall…I usually start decorating my home before Thanksgiving!  I know it’s early, but I just can’t wait!

I carefully unwrap each cherished ornament or decoration with care…placing it with love in its assigned spot!

Once the decorating is complete…I love enjoying the Christmas wonderland that has been created in my home for the season!  The beauty and smells fill our home and greet each guest that walks through our door!

I love driving up to my home and seeing the twinkling lights on the trees and candles in the windows.  It’s as if my home is literally inviting all into its warm and cozy dwelling for a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows!

As I walk through the door, I am greeted by all of my favorite decorations that we have collected over the years, which have been carefully placed throughout our home!

It truly is the most wondrous time of the year!

However, this year is different!

We are still in somewhat of a transition from the sale of our home last summer, so we are still waiting to move into our new place. 

And though my husband travels a lot throughout the year, he is normally home between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this year is different.  He is working on a long-term project and was only home briefly for Thanksgiving and will be home only briefly for Christmas!

Normally, during this time, he is usually assisting me some decorating that I can’t quite complete on my own.  For example, he helps put up a twelve foot Christmas tree!  He also hangs the wreaths on the outside of the house, so he is a huge part of the decorating festivities of this season too!

So yes, this year is different and I am trying to adjust to the change (remember…I don’t really like change very much)!!

I’m still hoping we might be moved in before Christmas, but I’m trying not to focus on that fact that we are not completely settled! 

Instead, I want to count my blessings!

My daughter gently reminded me of this as we headed to Tuscola for some Black Friday shopping a few weekends ago!

And though I missing baking and preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, my daughter told me to sit back and enjoy the others who are hosting this year!

We also discussed that not only had her family moved back home, but my youngest son and his wife would be moving home soon too!  And my oldest son and his family are only about 50 minutes away! 

And when I think about that…that is one of the things I love most…spending time with my family…and now we will all be close again!

My daughter also reminded me that when she and her siblings were growing up, we didn’t really play up Santa as a huge part of Christmas.  Instead, we centered Christmas on the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Shouldn’t I be doing that myself right now?  Shouldn’t I be focusing more on what I have verses what I don’t have this year?

Though some things might not be exactly the same this year, we are still celebrating the true meaning of the Christmas…the birth of Jesus!  That hasn’t changed!

I’m so thankful that God sent His son to us over 2000 years ago!  The story of his birth is truly an amazing event and I am filled with awe as I imagine this tiny baby being born in a manger!

Though there were no Christmas trees or fancy decorations…the glory of the Lord was there!

Scripture tells us… 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 the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, 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 heaven…and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”…Luke 2:8-14.

Over 2000 years ago, an angel brought this good news to the shepherds in the fields nearby!

We can share that good news with others today!

So this year is a little different, but I have so much to be thankful for!  I have the most beautiful story to share with others. 

I pray that as you celebrate this wonderful season, that you would remember the wonderful story of the birth of our Lord and Savior and then share it with others!  Jesus truly is the reason for the season!

Dear Heavenly Father…thank you for sending your son many, many years ago!  Thank you for reminding me that Christmas isn’t about the lights, Christmas trees and decorations, and baking goodies…and though all of those things are wonderful…Christmas is about the birth of your son.  Help me to share the true meaning of Christmas with others.  But more importantly, help me to carry this beautiful message in my heart not only during the Christmas season, but also throughout the year!