Last weekend I spent a few days putting up Christmas decoration…a little earlier than usual I know but what can I say. I love to decorate and doing it at Christmas is extra special. I have wonderful memories decorating with my mother growing up and it has become such pure joy to do it with Carrie Beth. She is growing to love it just like we do and absolutely loves her tree in her room. I could truly live with two seasons, summer and winter although I like the fall days as well. Everything about the holidays reminds me of family and tender moments. I realize that everyone doesn’t have those feelings or the blessing of family around them. And it is important to me that everyone who comes into our home feels at home and loved. We are trying to explain to Carrie Beth that everyone doesn’t have a family to love and celebrate with. She is so struggling with this concept. She is definitely cut from the same piece of relational cloth that I am. As I do every year, reflecting on the birth of my Lord is so precious to me. I think long and hard about Mary and all the emotions she went through that first Christmas and the days leading up to it. For you see, I’m reminded that she had to leave her family behind except for Joseph as she traveled many miles in the cold on a donkey…all the way she was cherishing all those moments in her heart.
I know that many people hate the commercial image of this holiday time, but I believe it depends on the heart. There truly is nothing wrong with all the lights, decorations and good food as long as we reflect and remember that for HIm to die He had to be born. He is the true meaning of the season. May you know the peace that Jesus brings and the joy He gives as you celebrate this season.
