Christmas Time is Here!

It is December....that means it is Christmas time. Our verse to memorize is found in Luke 1:30, "And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and you will bear a son, and you will call his name Jesus."

Funny how putting up a Christmas tree and decorating my door can bring back so many memories and thoughts. A couple of years ago, well maybe more like three years ago was when the movie came out that depicted the Christmas story. But it is more than a story it is a celebration of Jesus' birth. Maybe it is the fact that every Christmas we used to have the Lord's supper, or when we would drive around and look at Christmas lights downtown. I remember thinking how boring it all was and wondering the purposes behind some of the things that my parents did. But now I am so thankful. I am thankful for the Christmas mornings that I woke up to the smell of food cooking and my Grandparent's laughter. I am thankful for the football games that I got to watch and the time spent with cousins getting into trouble. Mostly though I am thankful that I grew up in a home where I could learn about Jesus. All too often I find myself becoming ashamed that I am a Christian and scared to truly stand up for what I believe in. But this is the time of year when the reason to celebrate can get lost in the tree decorating and the present giving. So I want to stop right now and just recognize this season for what it is. Celebrating a Savior. Celebrating a birthday that without it, I would be doomed to a life without the Lord.

It didn't really occur to me until today how much loss I have had this past year. My Uncle was killed in a car accident almost a year ago, my Grandpa passed away two months after that and then my other Uncle two months after that. My Grandma is now very sick and I am unsure if she has too much longer. It has only been a year but so much has changed. That makes me all the more aware of what I do have and need to enjoy. I am not sure what the next year will bring. No one knows, but I know one thing for sure. The birth of Jesus truly is the only thing that is worthy of my attention right now. His name shall be called Jesus and "he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

Yes, no end to His kingdom for that I am certain!