continuing Thanksgiving

The final leaves are falling and the temperature is dropping. The day marked Thanksgiving has come and gone - but I am lingering in its memories.

Too quickly the eloquent phrases of gratitude, reminiscing our blessings both big and small, are being replaced by Christmas wish lists, persistent holiday commercials and over-crowded stores. I feel surrounded by loud "hurried-ness".

I must admit, at first I was tempted to isolate myself and resist the advances of the holiday season (and risk being labeled a scrooge), but as I pulled out the advent devotional and unpacked our little manger scene, I began to realize that my soul's yearning aligns perfectly with Christmas. It is a day to give thanks and celebrate the biggest blessing of all.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

I want to celebrate hope. I want to celebrate truth. I want celebrate Jesus' birth.

I want to spend Christmas day giving thanks and eating birthday cake. :)

You can have all this world, just give me Jesus...

And so I will continue counting my blessings while joyfully celebrating the greatest gift of all... the Word made flesh.

"...let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

Hebrews 12:28-29

As you prepare for the Christmas holiday, may you remember to marvel God and His life-changing gift to us.

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Just a few blessings that fill my heart full of gratitude...