It's December 2017. Is anyone else surprised that Christmas is literally two weeks away?
We tend to put alot of pressure on ourselves to make this holiday season the best it could possibly be for our loved ones and everyone around us. I am a little worn out from a busy past few months, and to be honest I would rather get together with a few people and sit on the couch watching Hallmark movies and laughing at silly memories from years past.
Is anyone with me on this? We are all very blessed and fortunate in so many ways, and I simply want to enjoy the people I love and love me in return. I don't need a fancy gift or a shiny bracelet. Hugs and laughter are all I want this holiday season.
As you look at your calendar and feel the anxiety welling up, pause and thank God for breath and life. Then prioritize the really important opportunities, so you won't miss the best of this holiday season.
There are many ways that we can make a difference this time of year. Look for an opportunity that you can share what has been given to you. Maybe it is time spent with a neighbor or a donated toy for a less fortunate child. We can all do something. Let's shine this season in His Name!
May God bless you and your family!
Living for Him,
Lottie
The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20 NIV)
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place whilea Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to their own town to register. 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.