Christmas 2010

                            Christmas 2010

                                              Kendall and Blake

Wow, Christmas is almost here!  A week away and not one gift has been bought.  Somehow I know I should be stressed but I'm not.  Blake and I were thinking back to where things were a year ago and I feel like having my sister here with us, completely healed, is a gift in itself.  Last year Christmas was spent at the hospital with little hope that she would come home.  The world says "little hope" but my heart says with Christ, there is always hope. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will rest on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  He brings peace to the world and more specifically to my burdened soul.  Now here we are a year later. God is good.  We've decked the house out and the parties and planning have all begun but surrounded by all the glitz and glam, chaos and gifts I can't help but think of a baby, born to die.  We get so wrapped up in Christmas lists, meal planning and decorations that we miss the cradle, we miss the cross.  The true Christmas tree wasn't

wrapped in garland and twinkling lights, rather it was adorned with the Light of the World.  No evergreen branches, but rugged wood.  The red that dressed the tree was not fancy ribbon woven throughout but dripped with the blood of our Savior, the same blood that purchased my freedom. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  I so want to esteem my Lord this holiday season.  I want him to be the reason my family celebrates the season.  Let it not be about gifts but about THE GIFT.  Let it not only be about the meal but the Bread of Life.  O taste and see that the Lord is good!  As I gather with my friends and family over the next few days, I pray that the Lord will remind me that love is the most important thing we can give one another.  This is just a dress rehearsal, eternity is what matters.  Set my mind on the things of eternity Jesus and let me honor you in all I do.  Your name be exalted and glorified in the days to come.