Let it Be Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve! It is one days before Christmas and many are traveling to visit family, while others are at home cooking, wrapping presents, and getting ready for family to come visit.

As for me, I have not been feeling well so I am spending the majority of the holiday at home. However, most of my family will come here on Christmas Day so I am looking forward to spending time with them. It is also nice to spend extra time with my parents, and I am enjoying the visits with friends who stop by. Even though I am not able to get out among the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I am very thankful for family — especially my mom, who tries to make things extra special here at home.

This past year has been a tough one, but the Lord has been faithful through it all. I am incredibly thankful this year for the gift of life, and not just my life, but most importantly for Jesus — and the meaning of His birth. I have never wanted a year to be over more than this one, but over the past couple months the Lord has done some great things in my heart and soul. Prior to and after my surgery last January, I lived with worry about the future, and in a state of disappointment that my life up to this point had not turned out the way that I had imagined that it would. However, the greatest gift God has given me this year is His peace. Over the past few months He has filled my heart with an acceptance of this season and given my mind an ease that could only come from Him. For that, I am very thankful.

Whatever this week looks like for you be present wherever you are.There are many times I am in a room with company and we are all on our phones texting, capturing moments, and posting them on Instagram. I know that I am personally guilty of this, and am trying to improve the habit. While there is nothing wrong with any of these things, we can spend too much of our quality time with others on our devices sharing with the world what we are doing. I am reminded more than ever on this holiday to treasure each moment and to live fully right where I am because none of us can know what the future may hold.

My challenge to  you over Christmas and New Years is to put down your phones and Ipads and spend time with your family and friends without constantly looking down at your device every few minutes. I am not suggesting that you not take any photos through the holidays, or never be on your phones. Although, do not allow your time on social media platforms lessen the quality of your conversations, or distract from sweet family time that you will never get back. I pray that each of you will have a wonderful holiday with family and friends, but most importantly that you spend time with Jesus and celebrate who He is and what He has done.

 

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!  I will see you in 2016!