unto us a child is born....

Today is Christmas. It brings to mind so many thoughts, so many emotions. Obviously the greatest focus is on a baby, born in a manger, many, many years ago. Or is it? Christmas has become so commercialized. It is about parties, food, gifts, decorations, more parties, and for most people, extreme stress and exhaustion. Is that what Christ intended? I doubt it. I believe His birth was meant to be celebrated, but in a way completely different than we do. I believe it was meant to be a time of remembrance, a time of celebrating eternal life, and celebrating freedom from eternal suffering. I believe it was meant to give to those who are in need..."whatever you've done to the least of these, you've done to me" (Matthew 25:45).

It has become faux pas to wish someone a Merry Christmas. the media now wishes everyone "happy holidays". well, what HOLIDAY are they celebrating....oh yea, that would be CHRISTmas!

At Christmas I always realize the many blessings I do have. I have never been without, ANYTHING! Now sure, I didn't always get the toys I wanted as a child, I didn't get the car I wanted when I turned 16, but I did always have food, I've always been clothed, and always had a roof over my head. It breaks my heart when I think of those who are literally living on the street. They may have one shirt, one coat, one pair of pants....MAYBE! They don't know where their next meal will come from. I gripe when I have to eat chef boyardee instead of going out to eat. I've never known true hunger. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

I am so blessed. I am thankful for the wonderful family I have, the precious friends in my life, and the oh so many blessings I've been given, but most of all for my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful He chose to leave a place of complete perfection, come to live in human form, be tormented, tried, and He suffered, all so that I might live, eternally, with Him.