Christmas Is Coming.....

It's that time of the year when I wake up each morning and think, what do I have to do today in order to be ready for Christmas? Ugh....is this the way we are to celebrate our Savior's birth? Our family's gift list has been pared down quite a bit in the last couple of years, so it's not so overwhelming and budget busting. I love the idea of homemade gifts and I'm even attempting that this year. In the midst of the countdown to the 25th, I have to stop and think. Think about the TRUE meaning of Christmas. I think about Mary and what she went through. She was engaged to Joseph and was pregnant with the son of God. By all accounts, she could have been punished and sentenced to death, but Joseph knew what was going on. The angels told him and so he supported her. I've often wondered what their relationship was like, as we don't really know.

Mothers love their babies, no doubt about it, but Mary's baby was special. How was it for her to raise her son? How was it for her to let him go to fulfill his destiny? I can't imagine.

I put out the decorations, wrap the gifts, attempt to get in some baking, listen to my favorite Christmas music, and ask God to put in my heart the feeling that Christmas should have.

It's time to rejoice in the ultimate love and sacrifice that He gave us. It's time to reflect on how I can become more Christ-like. It's time to stop and listen to those around me who are hurting and who are in need. It's time for Christmas.