A New Chapter: Christmas

It's hard to believe that the Christmas season is over once again. This is my favorite time of year, no doubt. This year, although different than years past, was no exception. I greatly missed being with my family, but we started our own traditions. Roy and I made Christmas cookies and gave them as gifts to friends and others in the area. A few nights before Christmas, we drove up to a big neighborhood in Plano where it is decked out with lights. There were hundreds of cars driving through to see the decorations! We played Christmas music, ate some of our cookies, and enjoyed viewing everyone's houses. We were planning on going to our church's Christmas Eve service, and I was quite excited about it. However, that afternoon, we got a big surprise... SNOW!!! Yes, it was snowing and sticking!!! There hadn't been a white Christmas in Dallas for 83 years! I thoroughly enjoyed the gift that made it feel a bit more like home, even though it meant we were stuck inside. Down here, they don't have salt or anything, so when it snows, you're pretty much stuck. That night, we stayed in, watched a great movie (The Ultimate Gift), ordered pizza, and played/sang carols with Roy's guitar. We were even able to give our pizza guy a box of cookies and a card, which definitely surprised him! The next morning, there was still snow on the ground, although much of it melted by midday. We really enjoyed the morning together, opening gifts and eating a yummy breakfast of baked french toast, hashbrown casserole, and bacon. Later in the day, we celebrated my birthday with dinner and cupcakes! That night, we went to see "The Blind Side." It was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time.

This Christmas season, a lot was on my mind and heart. The season puts me in awe and wonder of our Savior, coming as a little baby into this world. Fully dependent. God in flesh. Songs, old and new, touched my heart again this season and brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart as I thought about the beauty of Christmas. I've always felt a bit guilty about loving this time of year so much. Shouldn't I be this excited all year long? This year, I came to the realization that it's ok and probably normal to feel the way I do. This time of year does excite me. But in a way, isn't that what it's supposed to do? Remind me. Excite me. Refill me with passion. Why did God set up festivals for His people? For remembrance. For giving thanks. For praising Him. And that is what Christmas helps me to do. It helps me to refocus, to remember, and to give thanks. If my heart's wonder has begun to dim, it rekindles the flame. It again brings me to my knees before my King. The following songs or selections especially touched my heart.

Hail the Heaven born Prince of Peace,
Hail the Son of Righteousness.
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark the herald angels sing!
Glory to the newborn King!

It's still a mystery to me
That the hands of God could be so small
How tiny fingers reaching in the night
Were the very hands that measured the sky

It's still a mystery to me,
How His infant eyes have seen the dawn of time
How His ears have heard an angel's symphony,
But still Mary had to rock her Savior to sleep

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Heaven's love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Son of God, Servant King,
Here with us,
You're here with us.

Jesus the Christ, born in Bethlehem
A baby born to save, to save the souls of man

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Heaven's love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Son of God, Servant King,
Here with us,
You're here with us.

Here With Us - Joy Williams

Go to sleep my Son
This manger for your bed
You have a long road before You
Rest Your little head

Can You feel the weight of Your glory?
Do You understand the price?
Or does the Father guard Your heart for now
So You can sleep tonight?

Go to sleep my Son
Go and chase Your dreams
This world can wait for one more moment
Go and sleep in peace

I believe the glory of Heaven
Is lying in my arms tonight
Lord, I ask that He for just this moment
Simply be my child

Go to sleep my Son
Baby, close Your eyes
Soon enough You'll save the day
But for now, dear Child of mine
Oh my Jesus, sleep tight

Joseph's Lullaby - MercyMe