Merry Christmas Eve!

Day 359 of Photo Inspirations -- Merry Christmas Eve!!
We're getting closer to "Silent Night -- Holy Night", but until then...this day is probably filled with lots of activity for us all -- last minute shopping, wrapping the final packages, and getting some of our Christmas meal ready to go for tomorrow.  As for us, after two more Christmas productions that the kids are in today, we'll settle down for our Christmas Eve traditions.  When these two grandkids wake up tomorrow morning, I will have arrived in Seattle after a early morning flight to celebrate Christmas Day with my family there.  I'll wave at Santa enroute, as we'll probably be crossing paths in the air.

What a treat it was last night, to see my sweet cousins, Mary Ellen Snow and Charles at the production.  Of course, I had to have a quick photo opt.  They just recently moved to Texas from OK and are loving being in Texas near their kids.

We came home and watched a sweet Christmas movie and then the kids got to open their gifts from Nana.   Sweet, hilarious time of making memories for another year.  By the way, notice a jigsaw puzzle that we're working on.  That's another annual tradition. Sweet, sweet times.

Yes, the traditions and festivities are so enjoyable, but rolling out the red carpet and recognizing the Guest of Honor is what this awe-inspiring season is all about. And.....it's up to us to ensure the Honoree is positioned in His rightful place of distinction.

I love the story of St. Nicholas. He was a very kind man and had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it. And that story inspires us all with a heart of giving. St. Nicholas is where "Santa Claus" came from. But, as sweet as those "treasured" photos of Santa Claus with our little ones are, and seeing their little eyes sparkling with wonder, and putting cookies out for this jolly old soul to pay us a visit, Santa ISN'T the "Guest of Honor".

The leading characters of the Christmas Story are Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels, and, of course, the Headliner, the main attraction and the Star of the Show is Jesus Christ. He is the REASON for the celebrations and He should be the Guest of Honor at each one. I love that we have a role to play in this great story, too. Perhaps we can be one of the shepherds. We don't need eloquent words and we don't need a place of prominence or status. We just need to be bearers and sharers of "the good news of great joy".

People expect pastors and priests to talk about Christmas being about Christ. But what people need are shepherds of the world to teach and preach that message.

You and I have the ability to amaze someone today with the message of Christmas. "For God so loved the world He GAVE His one and only Son."  (John 3:16)

Even Santa bows down to Him as the Guest of Honor.

I pray that the awesome richness of this gift is experienced in the lives of you and your precious families -- that makes this a Christmas to remember. Much love and MERRY CHRISTMAS, one and all!