Christmas Thoughts...

It's early morning, and I'm looking out the window at a beautiful, sunny December day.  It's oddly...and wonderfully...warm, for this time of year; and we look forward to some yard work and a walk later on today.  With most everything done as far as decorating and shopping done, it's just too pretty to stay indoors on a day like this!  I see a lone Gerber Daisy blooming, along with the last of the Knockout Roses...just a few colorful blooms hanging on...kind of appropriate with our warm late-fall days!  I'm thankful for this mild weather, as we will have some bitter ones ahead, I'm sure. 

We have had a calm and peaceful holiday season so far...full of festive and fun activities...and meaningful as well.  We got it started early with a trip to a fully decorated Biltmore House with our friends the Metcalfs.  We hadn't been at Christmas in years, and it was a treat for sure.  Absolutely gorgeous.  Then there was a Lions Club party, complete with caroling and a delicious meal...and a Sunday School get-together with the most delicious spread of potluck dishes you've ever tasted.  Honestly, those ladies can COOK!  Then there was a Christmas contata at a local sister church where our friends are members...thank you for inviting us!  It was just beautiful...very talented musicians.  Then the Nativity Pageant, the 43rd year of production.  We were there 43 years ago, when there was no elaborate set and costumes.  It was held on the parking lot of the Coliseum...a cold night but so memorable.  It's a must-see for us each year...one of our very favorites. 

Our church's ToyStore helped over 200 families yesterday, and it was so rewarding.  To help families and children who might not otherwise get to experience opening presents and getting toys on Christmas morning without our help is what it's all about:  sharing the love of Christ, helping in His name.  Add to that  other opportunities like Mission of Hope, Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, Operation Christmas Child, and ringing bells for the Salvation Army and you have examples of giving that are so meaningful, to both giver and receiver alike.

Now we have a long-anticipated trip to see our daughter and share in her joy of accomplishment in graduating with her MBA...and a concert to hear Handel's Messiah with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.  We'll eat at a few of our favorite places and maybe take in the sights at the Opryland Hotel...plus worship at her church.  Hopefully, we'll get home in time to participate in the neighborhood ladies' tea and our church's Christmas cantata...two more traditions that we treasure. 

Yes, it's a busy and wonderful time of year, as we move through Advent and towards that blessed Christmas morn.  Thank you, Lord, for your Christmas blessings. May they be shared and divided and multiplied...then maintained throughout the coming new year.  And may You be honored and exalted on Your birthday by all we say and do.