Christmas snuck up on me

It just doesn't feel like Christmas is in a few days! I can't believe it! It's raining here in Michigan.

I have been thinking lately how much I appreciate family. I like living in my hometown again because my family is close by.

I feel for people who have lost loved ones in the past year... or are missing people who are not around anymore. It has been ten years since my grandma passed away, and I still have a hard time telling people what my Christmas traditions are. Christmas has not been the same without her. Neither has Easter. I look forward to having a family of my own someday and creating new Christmas traditions.

Christmastime is hard for a lot of people. I am well aware of that and share in their loss, even though I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I am grieving what was and no longer is. I am grieving for lives lost this year.

But I have hope.
Jesus came so that we may have life and life to the fullest.

Christmastime is here...

Even without the snow, I know that Christmas is just around the corner.

I forgot how much people stress out around the holidays. Maybe when I have more going on in life, I will have that added stress of where to be at what time. But for now, I am busy enough with splitting time with my parents.

On Thanksgiving, I saw a man playing football outside with his son. It was precious. His son was probably in late elementary/middle school. I treasure quality time during the holidays.

Are we spending time with the One we are celebrating?

A Song that Describes My Life These Days...

Thanksgiving Dinner

My stepmom cooks for an army. Seriously. There were only 5 of us at Thanksgiving this year. Lucy made some amazing sweet potato pie -- most of us didn't have dessert due to the sweet potato pie satisfying our sweet tooth. I made my favorite Thanksgiving dish -- green bean casserole.

Today, I am thankful for family and food.

Life is good.

2 videos

Here is the Digital version of the Christmas story:

Here's a Mr. Bean Video:



Dec 1 Christmas story video

Check this video out: Bethlehem Rhapsody.

Advent

Sunday was the beginning of the Advent season. Growing up, I never really paid attention to the Church calendar. My church did not really mention Advent or Lent. I want to learn more. There is something precious about remembering Who God is and what He came to earth to do. There's something special about sharing in the suffering of Christ in some form by giving up something we love for Lent.

I went with my roommate Krysten and her parents to Handel's Messiah Singalong. I love the Hallelujah Chorus as much as anyone, but it was quite unexpected how much I would love just hearing about Jesus in song. Seriously. Everything about TRUE Christmas music points to Him.

Maybe that's why I love the Christmas season so much. People remember for a moment what is most important. Families get together (and realize how much they need Jesus -- no family's perfect!).

Today I am celebrating that Jesus came here to earth.