Wednesday, December 14, 2011

It's Almost Here!

We are counting down the days 'til Christmas. The manger scene is up, the trees are decorated, home made luminaries grace our front step. Today we made dozens of paper snowflakes to adorn our front windows. The grass however is still green in places, and I often go out for the mail in bare feet. I have mixed emotions. I like that I am not out shoveling and that it is not too cold for my morning walks. I miss the white stuff though. It really adds to the festive feel.

One thing doesn't change though. I love to read the Bible stories with my boys and talk about how wonderful it was that Jesus came as a tiny baby to that long ago stable in Bethlehem. I know, I know....we need to keep Christmas in our hearts year round. That baby should be our daily focus. However, with all the talk of Holiday trees, and Season's greetings, I think it has been good for us as Christians to be able to put a special focus on this birth one day a year even if no one knows when the actual day was. It has heightened our urge to share this wonderful gift God gave us, it has been an opportunity to share the gospel message over and over.....I think it will be sadly missed when it sinks into the mire of holidays that have nothing to do with the birth of that special Child. I will miss Christmas all around us when the political powers that be, wipe it out. Did you buy a 'Holiday' tree instead of a Christmas tree? Did you wish the people at work, "Best of the Season"? Are you listening to the songs of the season pumping out on the radio and realizing they have nothing to do with Christ? I will celebrate His birth as long as I have breath to do so, and I am not ashamed to wish you a Merry CHRISTMAS.

A little candle light makes for a very cozy home.
Nativity made by 3 year old hands 25 years ago.
My...um...lovely Christmas village. It was invaded by those plastic 'Homies" from gum ball machines, years ago and every year they return.
Home made luminaries! Lovely, lighting the way up our front step.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Decently December

Ahh, change. A new entrance to our local waste station. I love things that stay the same. I want the same old traditions and patterns and I want to drive in the same old driveway when I go to the dump!!!
 
December is kind this year. It came in with a cold crisp day but beautiful sunshine. I wandered outside today to escape the closeness of the house and reveled in the fact that it is December but my petunias are still in bloom along the west wall of the house, and the grass is still lush and green where my dryer vents. Winter will be short this year...not that I dislike winter, but a little is nicer than a lot.

My desk top timer tells me it is only 23 days, 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 28 seconds to Christmas. There was so much I planned to do. I love crafts and the kiddos that make them, but everyone is getting older and the interest has waned a little, thank goodness for two little granddaughters that came for cookies and to help Granny set up my Christmas village. God knows I am a mama that loves babies and this two and four year old fill up what would otherwise be a big gap.

A late night visitor that chomped down on the mouse block in the attic, I'm thinking. He came out obligingly and died where I could see him. His relatives were not so kind. It kinda smells around here.
Soon I will post the pics of our decorating efforts, but for now I am getting my house in order and trying to slow down and focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place. Bible in hand, I am heading off to bed with a cup of tea. Get your devotions done ladies! It ties everything together.