Merry Christmas to You!

You can feel the excitement
in the air.

Even the cats are
all worked up.
It is not 6am yet and
one of them has woken us
up. We haven't figured out
who the offender was yet...
But I am awake just the same.

Now Tidbit is sitting
on the back of the couch purring
very loudly, but this is just after
being called out from under the
Christmas tree, where she was
"exploring".

Warren noticed the other day
that she has quite a collection
of ornaments under there
for times when she feels
the need to play.
So...moments ago there was noise
coming from under there.

I called her name.

Tidbit?

Meow!

What are you doing under there?

Meow!

Are you getting into mischief?

Meow!

And then she appeared purring loudly
and has settled near my shoulder.

Two thousand years ago some animals
had unique experiences.

Imagine the sheep in the field as
many Heavenly Host appeared in the
night sky...All bright and loud!

The animals in the stable might have
been thrilled for human company as
Mary and Joseph settled in for the
night. What an unusual night.

Wouldn't you have loved to have had
their vantage point for those fabulous
events?

The birth of a baby...
Shepherds trekking in.
Having followed a star
to find the child.




If I think about it, being a
shepherd or sheep was probably the most
scary. In the quiet of the evening,
in a time where there were no planes
to disturb a night sky...A bright light.

A beautiful creature with interesting news!

However, it was a given that this would
be a bit frightening so their minds were
set at ease immediately by the
Heavenly Visitor.

"Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news
of great joy
that will be for
all the people.
Today in the town of David
a Savior
has been born to you;
he is Christ the Lord.
This will be a sign to you:
You will find a baby
wrapped in cloths
and lying in a manger."

(From Luke's Account of these events in Chapter 2)

And then a BUNCH
of angels appeared
praising and singing!

Sure! I would feel oh, so much
better after that!

But, apparently they did.

Those shepherds headed out!
To find the baby.

Mom and Georgia were in Bethlehem on
their recent trip to Israel.
It saddened them
to see it in disarray.
With all of the political
upheaval it has fallen mainly into
the hands of those
who do not worship Jesus.

The streets are dirty and
the homes uncared for.
How distressing.
However, Jesus is no longer there.

He is no longer a babe in a manger.

Jesus has conquered death...
a horrific death on a cross,
fulfilling many prophecies
and rose again on the third day.

He is with his Heavenly Father in Heaven
preparing a place for those who believe...

...that they are in need...
of a Savior.

Those who have confessed that
need and become
the Children of God.



Christmas!

It is a wonderful celebration of a beautiful
event...but it is only the beginning!

The beginning of New Life...in Him!
Made possible because of God's Love.

I hope your Christmas Day is packed full
of good times, happy memories and
thankfulness for the reason we celebrate!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

With Love,

Your Friend,