It's Christmas Time!

I know we are not even done with November yet, but I couldn't help but redecorate my blog and put on some beautiful Christmas tunes. This is the first time in a long time I have really looked forward to Christmastime. It has been easy for me to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of Christmas and to allow the commercialism and stress of finances to suck the joy out of the season. As I listened to our choir practice CD for the first time a couple weeks ago and really took in the words from the songs our music minister was led to choose, my heart melted, tears stung my eyes, and I realized I been getting it all wrong. The knowledge of what Christmas is truly about resided in my heart, but the world had swept away any remnant of joy and peace that came along with that knowledge. It's not decorations, or presents, or even family that is most important at Christmastime. It's Christ. When we take Christ out of Christmas there is no reason to celebrate. When we allow all of the secondary things to take first place in our hearts, we miss out on so much. It is my prayer that each of you will allow Christ and the reason for His birth to reign in your heart this Christmas season - and throughout the year. May we celebrate the things that really matter and leave everything else at the foot of the throne of Him who loved us enough to step down from Heaven and into our lives. Amen.