The Bright Light of Christmas is With Us

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While "The Wallace's" and I were driving home from Austin yesterday, I was already thinking "I'm going to take down my Christmas decor' as soon as possible since I'll be going out of town next week and I want to come back home to a fresh clean slate in the new year of new beginnings and new conquests."

But, when I drove down my street -- the Christmas lights were still glowing on my neighbors' homes, and my home. I walked into my home and I started putting on the Christmas lights because I wanted "that atmosphere" to linger a little longer. Yes, all the anticipation and excitement of the Christmas season is rapidly coming to a close, but the joy and peace of Christmas is still very present. I’m still captivated by the Christmas lights that are still glowing brightly and and the sweet and tender Christmas atmosphere. The reality is the reassurance we have that the atmosphere of Christmas will remain if we continue to acknowledge that the babe in the manger is no longer a baby. He is here with us because He is Emmanuel, “God with us”!

All thirteen of us, together, in Austin, made for lots of laughter and high energy that included all of us going to see a Christmas movie, eating in and eating out, the children running around, lots of picture taking, sweet conversations and many hugs and kisses. From all that activity to walking into my quiet, non-busy home could really be a downer if I dwelt on who and what I didn't have. I could dwell on being alone or even lonely. My main word of encouragement for many friends and ME, during this season has been "Emmanuel" (God with us). Many have been going through "stuff" and it is still my word for all of us. We are never alone, because God is with us. He cares. He loves. He gives. He holds.

Today, I will return to my daily routine of spending time with Jesus as I pray, praise, read His Word and take notes on what He's saying back to me. Maybe I'll spend a few minutes or many minutes -- it doesn't matter to Him, but it does to me. I need Him like I need breath to breathe. When I breathe Him (His presence) in -- He brings me peace. He is with me during my everyday life. I purpose to live my days remembering that God is with me, so as anyone that would be a passenger in my car, or a guest at my dinner table, I will talk to Him. I will talk to Him about any, and everything. I will thank Him for the “favors” that come, like green lights, the parking places close to the doors of the store, the “bargains” that I may find. Because I stay close to Him during my days, when the times of unexpected challenges come, I just remember, I’m not facing anything alone, because God is with me…..and I feel His peace right away. I know He will bring about what’s best for me. I urge you to KNOW Him – to know Emmanuel – He is with me – He is with YOU!

I desire to get so caught up in "God With Me" this year. My main goal for 2018 is to become more desperate for God than I have ever been before -- not because I am in a crisis-or-needy-mode, but because I want more of Him, and less of me. I desire Emmanuel -- God with me -- morning, noon and night.....and all the in-between time. This is one of my favorite songs that describes breathing in the holy presence of God. Please listen, soak it up and may it resonate with you and perhaps it will become your song too. The bright LIGHT of Christmas is WITH US!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTzXpzSXtdQ

Out With Fall, In With Christmas

Day 333 of Photo Inspiration -- Out With Fall, In With CHRISTMAS!!
My sweet kids left for home on Friday, but not before my wonderful son, Larry, completed a page-long "Honey Do" list for me.  And, my precious "adopted" girl, Denise Gerrich​ helped me take down my Fall decor', move it up to the attic, and bring down the Christmas.  And if that wasn't enough, she helped me decorate with outdoor lights, trees, and wreaths, as well as my in-home decor'.  There is no question -- I am blessed beyond what I deserve, which is why Thanksgiving and Gratitude top my "Good Attitude" List.  Little photos of Papa reading the Christmas story to the grandkids are all around my house -- sweet reminders of Christmases past.  And, lots of decor' that go way back too.

I’ve been thinking about Christmas for several months now. I didn't decorate to the extreme, like I once did, when the family came to our house for Christmas.  There was a Christmas tree in every bedroom, the house was decked out with lights and enough decor' to open up a Christmas store.  In fact, Christmas decor' took up half of our attic space.

It was our favorite time of the year.  But, again, seasons change in our lives.   I’ll be heading to Texas to celebrate with my Wallace crew, and then onto Seattle to celebrate with the Wuerch crew -- in just a couple of weeks.  I was feeling the peer pressure in my neighborhood when others began putting up their Christmas lights a couple of weeks ago.  But, my humble little displays still shout -- loud and clear...... "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

Today, starts the magnificent season of Advent.  When I was preparing for the talks I'll be giving this week, and the neighbors were putting up their lights, MY Advent season had already begun.  I’m already  enraptured by the miraculous Christmas story -- the UNLIKELY turn of events that altered the course of our past, present and future.  What an easy transition -- to go from Thanksgiving to all the joys and beauties of Christmas.

Though the stores were playing Christmas music a couple of weeks ago, and were selling their Christmas wares....months ago,  it only caused me to hone into the beautiful journey that will lead to the most HOLY AND MIRACULOUS DAY – and, it would have been alright if I started way back in July!

After all, it’s more than a season or a day, it’s about a REASON for unspeakable joy, indescribable love, and amazing sacrifice – that the ONE who placed the stars in the sky and Who knows them ALL by name -- chose to come to this earth as a little baby to be with me, understand me, live in this world like me.  HE totally gets me and my frailties, but better yet, He is my all powerful, incomparable, awesome and GREAT, amazing God. I'd say that's plenty reason to be celebrating ALL YEAR ROUND!   Thank you, all you early Christmas decorators, for the reminder to embrace this season ALL YEAR LONG!  Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!