THE GLORY OF IT ALL

Once again Christmas Eve is upon us--the final preparations are nearing an end.  Gifts are wrapped and under the tree, baking and cooking smells float through the air, the lights are twinkling and the stockings are hung, and the parties have drawn to a close for the year.   Candles are lighted and carols are sung as we greet one anther on this fine Christmas Eve.  Long hours of preparation and days of whirling in a ceaseless spin--all leading up to these final hours has come to an end.

Some are alone--some are in despair--some have no heart for any acknowledgment of the season.  Families torn apart, loved ones gone on, illness, and suffering still surround us.  No home, no friends, no family, no hope is the constant companion for ever so many.

My prayer for us all--those with great anticipation for the celebration of the day and those with only dread for this day is peace and joy and the sure knowledge of the reason we celebrate.  The glory--the wonder of what happened that day--when God sent His son to begin the path to complete our redemption.  No matter the state of our hearts and lives--NOTHING-can take away that Jesus came for one single reason.  He loved each and every one of us so much--God in the form of man came and was born of a woman in a lowly manager with a star overhead.  The Angels were singing of great Glory to God and the Heavens were filled with loud proclamations of God's gift to us all.

So Dear Friends--on this another Christmas Eve-- I wish you songs of praise and great glory for what was done.  Take some time to step away from the gifts--step away from the hubbub into a time of quiet contemplation of what this all is truly about.  It is not the gifts, it is not the food, it is not the lights nor tree, it is not even the gathering of our loved ones---it is about Jesus.  We all have cause to celebrate this day--as we remember the birth of our Savior and the Cross He bore- that was yet to come.  

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL, DEAR FRIENDS!

LUKE 2:1-20