My life - from the impact of great loss, to a refreshing new take on life and a place where I now share ............... my favorite Plant Strong recipes....

Friday, December 17, 2010

Rejoicing This Christmas

I am blessed.  There are so many things in my life to be thankful for right now.  I am loving the anticipation for Christmas.

Though I hadn't planned on doing much decorating this year, somehow we keep doing more and more.  A light fixture here, the card tree there, tonight the Nativity.  Though I love all the colors, ribbons and being creative - I think I would be just as content with simply the Nativity up.  That's what my eye keeps going to, even in a room full of lights and twinkles and ribbons and...

The Nativity.

The Reason for the Season.

This has become one of my best Christmas Season's ever.  Yes, I have known great loss, but maybe it's from that loss that I can realize the great love that I have in so many areas of my life.  It has been a goal for Jeff and me this Christmas season to keep things simple... to keep the Main Thing the Main Thing.  In a time when there is stress and chaos all around us, and technology that can easily consume us, it isn't always an easy feat. 

Yet when I focus on Jesus - His birth, His teachings, His love, His sacrifice - then all those things that bombard me lose their draw.  My focus changes.

I don't have the desire to fight traffic and crowds for those perfect gifts... but what I love more than anything is sweet time with my family and friends.  This season, this is my priority - for my time to be well spent on the those whom I hold dear.  Even with the miles that separate, I hope my family and friends know just how much they mean to me.

Relationships.  Encouragement.  Love.
Remembering our Savior, and celebrating His birth.
Humming my favorite carols...

"O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel."


... and rejoicing this Christmas.





 A couple of Chelsea's ornaments
 He's a professional you know...
 Last year's 'after Christmas' super cheap poinsettas.
 They don't like to have their picture taken.
My cozy evening. I am thankful.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures that tell a great story. Your daughter is still very much part of your family. Despite your pain, it is great that somehow you can still celebrate the love of Christmas because Christ broke the power of death! He made us alive with him and gave us hope despite what we endure on this earth. Death cannot destroy us but only allows us to be with our God.
Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family!

Anonymous said...

I love your message! Very fun to see your beautiful decorations as well : )

Anonymous said...

Il semble que vous soyez un expert dans ce domaine, vos remarques sont tres interessantes, merci.

- Daniel

celestemc said...

Daniel's comment translated:

" It seems that you are an expert in this field, your remarks are very interesting, thank you - Daniel "

Thank you Daniel for your encouragement!