As I get older I find my priorities at Christmas changing. To me it is about God sending Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem for the birth of baby Jesus who later died on the cross for our sins to become our Saviour. This is the reason that we have Christmas. I do love that it is a time for family and I was blessed this year to have my family all together and sit down at the table and enjoy some food. I appreciate them taking the time and expense to get here, and I thank God for keeping them safe.
For me the gift giving is all about the youngsters and seeing their happy faces as they open something they want. I look at so many people getting stressed out about a lot of things that are not important. When I was growing up I can remember my Mama and Daddy being happy at Christmas. I don't really remember them giving each other anything(though they may have)- but I got presents on Christmas morning. They may have been stressed out, but I just don't remember them showing it. I don't understand the thing of some people having to borrow money to buy expensive presents, but if someone wants to give a gift and can afford to they should be able to.
We live in a world that moves way too fast. I can remember going to my Papa and Mama Shaw's house and we had such a good time. Of course it was within walking distance, so there wasn't the added stress of long distance travel. It wasn't about the presents then, but just eating good food and running around acting crazy with all my cousins. And I had lots of cousins. That still happens places now, but so many other things have been thrown into the mix. I don't have anything against new traditions being started, I just don't like how the old traditions sometimes seem to be thrown by the wayside.
These are just some of my thoughts this season. I love this time of year for a lot of reasons, but it still remains that Jesus is the reason for the season!! I hope everyone will slow down enough and forget about being politically correct and remember that Jesus is the greatest gift that we will ever receive. I pray that you will take time for family and be blessed as much as I was this year.
Merry CHRISTmas to everyone!!! Jesus loves you!!!!
