Celebrating Christmas

When you hear the word Christmas, what do you think about? Maybe great memories with your family going to get a tree and decorating it and telling the stories of homemade ornaments and why they are so special. Helping those who are in need. Cooking favorite recipes just right for the holidays. Putting up stockings, wreaths and lights all over the house and front yard because you love coming home and seeing all the fun festivities. Drinking hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows. Going on that special hunting trip. Dreaming of those special gifts you have thought about for months and hoping that someone (Santa or loved one) will make it happen. Seeing family that you haven't seen all year. And the list goes on....

I remember when I was little being at my grandparents home with all the cousins and our families and having a blast. Santa Claus was as real to us as our parents. Then it happened. All the kids heard all these noises outside and then something was on the roof with bells jingling. It was a madhouse, kids were screaming with joy because Santa (my uncle) had made a brief fly over and we all knew we had to get to our homes and be in bed or Santa wouldn't be able to come and bring the presents. As we were rushing to get home, I remember telling my parents, brother, and sister that I just saw Santa and the reindeer and dad had to go faster so we could beat him home. I made a pretty big deal about it and I am sure I lost a little credibility in the trust arena. In looking back I don't know how they held it together and didn't bust out laughing.

Maybe are memories were not good and the thought of celebrating Christmas was depressing and not fun.

Whatever are memories are, I want to share with you a great story that was shared over 2000 years ago. I shared this yesterday with my company and every time I read this I just reflect on truly how great Christmas is and why we really celebrate this holiday. I want to encourage us all to have fun in preparing for Christmas and making fun traditions and healthy memories but let's do it in observance of the birth of our Savior. Have a wonderful and great Christmas!!

Luke 2:10-14

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Watching him grow

It is hard to believe that our little man is 15 months old. I remember when he was born and having a 911 crisis when his plumbing started to work before I could put his diaper back on.

Where does the time go?

I am loving the privilege of watching him grow on a daily basis. We just got his first pair of tennis shoes and he thinks he is hot stuff. I am also amazed at how he watches my every move. Recently I came home from work and was hugging my cutie pie (wife) and looked down at him and saw a big grin break out on his face and then he came waddling over to get into the middle of us hugging.

I pray that I will love and model to him how we are to grow up and live. Lord please guide me and equip me in the way I should live.

Let's love those we are around in life.