I would like to extend to you a heartfelt Merry Christmas and pray that you will fill the holiday with the joys of Christmas through sights, sounds, and fellowship with friends and family.

While I am feeling the joy of this holiday season, I am still feeling the never ending loss of family members who are no longer with us. Holidays seem to emphasize that loss so sharply and this year, especially, I am feeling the loss of my parents, grandparents, and brother. I would have loved for them to see the precious little granddaughter that our family has been blessed with. I know they would be filled with joy and overwhelming love. I also am feeling the absence of my youngest son, even more this Christmas and hoping that he will feel the love of family who miss his presence especially during the holidays and feel the love of his Heavenly Father.  Phone calls are never enough but often have to suffice when distance is a factor.

This has been a rough year for so many people with the political climate and the overwhelming discord that seems to have embraced our nation and world. Peace on Earth seems very elusive right now, if you listen to the news.  One could lose themselves in hopelessness and fear if it were not for the very fact of why we are celebrating this holiday season. That reason and that reason alone is the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It seems this country has settled into celebrating the culture of Christmas more so than the real meaning of Christmas. The Hallmark channel paints a pretty picture with a script that is seldom deviated from, people celebrating the magic of Christmas where everyone falls in love in a 3 day period and end the movie with snowflakes falling and everyone happy. Many people celebrate the magic of Christmas and seldom does this have anything to do with the reason for Christmas. But let us remember the reason for the season. God’s Word tells us in Luke 2:10-11 The angel who appeared to the shepherds the night of Jesus’ birth said, “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”.The world was in need of a Savior. God fulfilled the law and the prophets by sending His Son into the world so that we might be saved. He is our greatest gift.  And this gift belongs to everyone who will receive it.

For that reason, we should feel loved. We should feel special and we should feel blessed, whatever our circumstances.  I know I do.

My prayer for you is that you will experience the joy of knowing Christ as your personal Savior beginning this holiday season as well as throughout the year. As I continue to age, the one thing I am most content about is knowing that I serve a wonderful God. Whatever the circumstances that I experience in life, I know He is faithful and is always there. Please take a moment to reflect on His Love, His Joy and His Peace. Tell someone you know about your blessings. Spread His love as you go about your daily walk!

With much love and blessings to you,  from my family to yours!