It is true, I love Christmas and I think the older I get, the more I love it. This year it is especially precious because Shari and I now have 10 grandchildren to celebrate the holidays with. But that is not all that makes Christmas special to me. I love just about everything about Christmas. I love that many radio stations for at least one month of the year, play music that is upbeat, even spiritual, instead of the usual offerings. Here in Belleville UCB plays nothing but Christmas music from December 1st to the 26th! It’s awesome. I love that there are lights everywhere. (If you haven’t taken a drive down main street in Napanee in the last few years, you really are missing something. Every building is wrapped in lights, giving the illusion that each building is a wrapped up Christmas box.) I love Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks (I know they arrive at Thanksgiving and then stay right through, but I only drink them at Christmas time.) I love the parties. I love the festivities and I love the food. I love giving gifts, and I love watching people open them (especially when it is something they really wanted or needed.) I love the weather; especially gentle snow and not the bone chilling cold of January. I love the smiles on faces, tacky sweaters and the break from routine.

 

Yep, I love Christmas. But the best thing about Christmas is that it is so easy to talk to people about your faith at this time of year. When you see them stressed out, or struggling to receive the joy from the season that we all sing about; you have a great opportunity to explain why it has placed a smile on your face. The savior of the world has come. He was born in a manger, He was visited by shepherds and wise men, and He was heralded by angels. He lived a sinless life and died on a cross for the sins of the world – your sins, and mine. That is the real meaning of Christmas, and it certainly is worth celebrating.

 

Yes, indeed. I love Christmas. My prayer is that if you are on the fence, that by December 25th this year, you will love it too.

 

Merry Christmas everyone!

It is true, I love Christmas and I think the older I get, the more I love it. This year it is especially precious because Shari and I now have 10 grandchildren to celebrate the holidays with. But that is not all that makes Christmas special to me. I love just about everything about Christmas. I love that many radio stations for at least one month of the year, play music that is upbeat, even spiritual, instead of the usual offerings. Here in Belleville UCB plays nothing but Christmas music from December 1st to the 26th! It’s awesome. I love that there are lights everywhere. (If you haven’t taken a drive down main street in Napanee in the last few years, you really are missing something. Every building is wrapped in lights, giving the illusion that each building is a wrapped up Christmas box.) I love Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks (I know they arrive at Thanksgiving and then stay right through, but I only drink them at Christmas time.) I love the parties. I love the festivities and I love the food. I love giving gifts, and I love watching people open them (especially when it is something they really wanted or needed.) I love the weather; especially gentle snow and not the bone chilling cold of January. I love the smiles on faces, tacky sweaters and the break from routine.

 

Yep, I love Christmas. But the best thing about Christmas is that it is so easy to talk to people about your faith at this time of year. When you see them stressed out, or struggling to receive the joy from the season that we all sing about; you have a great opportunity to explain why it has placed a smile on your face. The savior of the world has come. He was born in a manger, He was visited by shepherds and wise men, and He was heralded by angels. He lived a sinless life and died on a cross for the sins of the world – your sins, and mine. That is the real meaning of Christmas, and it certainly is worth celebrating.

 

Yes, indeed. I love Christmas. My prayer is that if you are on the fence, that by December 25th this year, you will love it too.

 

Merry Christmas everyone!