And now...

And now...it's Christmas Eve.  A quiet seems to be settling over the world.  Stores are closed and the streets are not so busy. People seem to have retreated, each into their own world.  I've always thought of Christmas Eve as such a peaceful time and, in many ways, I enjoy Christmas Eve day as much as I do Christmas Day.  It is a day of preparation, one final day before the actual Christmas celebration. A day of anticipation followed by a peaceful evening leading into the big day.

Every thing is done. The desserts for tomorrow's lunch are made.  I've been to Christmas Eve services at church.  I've eaten my tamales.  Now, it is time to sit quietly with a glass of wine, Christmas carols are playing and I'm ready to watch the rapidly twinkling lights on my tree (Jaydon set them that way and I've gotten used to their cheery blinking so I've left them alone). So, now it is time to reflect a little, maybe think about past Christmas Eve's and Christmas celebrations. Time to just enjoy the moment.

I finished wrapping presents this afternoon.  As I piled them safely up on the top of the piano I thought that the children will tear these gleefully open in just a few minutes!  But I also remembered that the reason for the season is God's amazing gift to humans, Jesus Christ. The Son of God was born in the lowliest of places, a stable. Shepherds, the lowliest of people, were visited by an angel and a heavenly entourage and told of the baby's birth.  But He came for all peoples.  Mighty Counselor, Prince of Peace, King of Kings and Lord of Lords! "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:14   

May your Christmas be blessed with peace and joy.  And may you experience God's love as you celebrate His gift to us.