Have you ever stopped and really thought about Christmas? I am really excited to see Marks family this next week, I am excited to hug all of his brothers necks and make more lasting memories with my sister in laws. I am excited to see my niece Emily’s little baby boy Justyn. I am excited about the 14 hour trip to and from (no, really I am!). I am excited to see my nieces and nephews.
I am excited yet heavy hearted because this year is different. I don’t want to take anything for granted this year. I want to savor every memory and every emotion that comes. I want to make this Christmas one that my kids will talk about for years to come. Not just about what they got, but the true spirit of Christmas, what it is really all about.
This year I encourage you to do the same. I encourage you to sit down and talk to your kids about Christs birth, what it meant and what it means to you. I encourage you to not put so much emphasis on “things” under the tree, but the savior who’s birth and death made a way for us. I encourage you to make lasting memories, sing Christmas carols and tell stories of when you were young and what your favorite Christmas memory was.
I encourage you to make this Christmas the best Christmas ever because you made Christ is the center of it.
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done,
but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing
of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out
on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that, having been justified by His grace,
we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
-Titus 3:4-7 (New International Version)
Click here for lyrics: Josephs Lullaby – Mercy Me
It is SO easy to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas. I hate that. Thanks for the reminder to focus on what’s really important!
Hope you’re having a good day!
God bless
Truly, there is no greater gift than having become heirs of hope…
Because of Him…it’s all because of Him.
May each moments sink in deep, Heather.
Ya’ll travel with my prayers.
Oh Heather(((hugs)))
in the midst of my busy day yesterday, I stopped and You came to my mind. Praying for you….
Heather, thank you for sharing “Joseph’s Lullaby” with us. I haven’t heard it before. Last Sunday, our pastor asked us to imagine what it might have been like to be Jesus’ neighbor on this earth. Today, I’m thinking about what it might have been like to be his parent – Wow!
I’ll be praying that you have a safe, happy, love-filled, memory-filled Christmas this year and that you and your family will have many, many, many more to celebrate together!
Thanks also for sharing Kate and Dave’s story with us. It has been a privilege to hold their family up in prayer.
Christmas Blessings to you and your family!
Ok Heather, I have a 16 hour trip (from KY to HOME – NH) on Sunday in the middle of their antipated Nor’Easter. Now please do tell how on earth you are anticipating that ride! lol I’m partially tongue-in-cheek but otoh, have any tips or tricks you’d care to offer to make that ride more bearable?
OTOH, your reminder about Christmas is right on. We have tried to really scale back this year and focus on the holiday. The most fun we’ve had yet is stringing popcorn and cranberries for the tree, although the twins (5) peetered out after one strand about 18″ long! lol
Have a blessed Christmas Heather. I wish you and your family all the very best!
That is just lovely!
My Dad who has pancreatic cancer sent this article. I thought you might find it interesting. God Bless!
http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/ReportNation2006Release
I pray that you have a most blessed Christmas holiday this year!
Thanks for the reminder about teaching our children the importance of Christmas…Christ’s birth…not just focusing on the presents under the tree or Santa Claus.
Take care!
Heather, thank you for your heartfelt encouragement! I love the video…you continue to be my “source†for all things worship! I added it to my Vodpod…I even have a follower now!
My husband & I and our three girls have experienced (over the last ~5 years) a series of difficult situations and disappointments ranging from life threatening illnesses (a postpartum hemorrhage, a grapefruit sized tumor on my 5 year-old’s left ovary, surgeries and strokes) the death of our parents and grandparents, and a move to a new state away from dear family and friends. But through all of these times we have seen God reveal Himself over and over in ways we would have never seen Him had our lives been “perfect”. I have learned so much from these recent experiences (and from my children) that the relationships God has blessed us with is what creates and keeps dear memories for years to come.
You, Mark and your children will have wonderful memories because you have a precious family that loves you and cares for you…the kids will remember the relationships more than the toys and clothes and games…they’ll remember the sights, smells and sounds of a family together at Christmas!
Have a Blessed trip this weekend and to Him be the glory!
Ann
Thanks! And God bless your family this Christmas…
Mary, mom to many
Bo
Every Christmas since March 12,1975
has been my favorite
I know that you, Mark, and the 3 stooges will have a great time in Virginia. I really look forward to My neck hug when you guys get back.
I love my family!
Dad
Dear Heather…You and Minerva both have showed me how important that this Christmas really is.
When I read how you and her both are savouring each moment with your family and children then it makes me want to do the same thing with my dad who has been so ill and is still waiting for his operation.
When it finally was booked for Dec 21, he said no because he wants to be well enough to spend Christmas with his family, and I think he is right. If this would be the Christmas that he gets saved that would be the biggest present ever for all of us!
In the meantime, I am going to look at the season with the same excitement and “not taking for granted” attitude that you and Minerva are doing even though you are both so ill…
Thanks Heather!!
I have not been commenting too much lately but I have been reading…Love Terry
Hi Heather – I thought I would send you the link for this article…I knew you would like to see this http://www.sptimes.com/2007/12/15/Pasco/Family_lives_with_the.shtml
Hi Heather! I have been reading your blog and praying for you for a while (link sent to me by another blogging friend who found your blog.) I was excited to see you are visiting Virginia for the holidays since we live in Central VA. Have a great time!
Laura
Your words are always a gift to me and today was no different! It’s funny though that I was just having this exact conversation with my Mother only yesterday about how most kids, mine included, do not know why we celebrate Christmas!! God Bless you and may your travels be safe (p.s. I grew up in VA
Heather,
I have a gift for you & your readers – hope you haven’t seen it yet!
Here’s another video presentation for your collection:
http://www.andiesisle.com/whatwouldJesuswant.hs.html
This song is sure to become a FAVORITE, year after year…
enJOY!!!
Merry CHRISTmas from our house to yours!
May BLESSINGS abound in you & your family’s lives during this CHRISTmas season & in 2008!
Remembering to keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas – let’s make a difference in the lives that we touch each & every day, not just CHRISTmas!
Heather,
You have been such a blessing to me. I love reading your blog.
With Gods love,
Sherry
May this be the beginning of your Best Christmas’ ever.
Jesus shines in your every day and in your Christmas I pray He shines all the more as you touch the lives of those around you.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Thank you for reminding me to remind my children what this season should gift to them. Unending memories of family and love. I pray for a wonderful, loving and blessed Christmas holiday for you and your family.
God Bless,
Vixen