Encouragement

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Is anyone else aware of the fact that Christmas, one of the most important holidays for Christians, is only 11 DAYS AWAY!? Oh my goodness, so much to do and so little time! Not to mention so very little money! Aacckk!!!

Still, I'm excited about it. After the mixed up and depressing Thanksgiving my family suffered through, no way will I let Christmas pass by unmarked or unnoticed (as if I could!).

We will be having our get together as usual. At my house, as usual. Never mind the fact that nary a one of us sees eye to eye with any other. Never mind the fact that we like to argue more than we like to hug, though we will be big on the hugs and kisses. Never mind the fact that gifts will be sparse this year. Never mind the fact that most of us spend the rest of the year in a state somewhere between worry, fear, and anger over the behavior of the others.

For that one day, in honor of the gift bestowed upon us by the Savior we all have in common, all that 'stuff' will be set aside. We will slap on our smiles, fluff up our manners, and enjoy the company of the ones Jesus gave us to share life with. We will, for that one day, see the blessings we've been given, share the miracles He
has provided, and we'll be happy in one another's company.

Christmas can be a stressful time. For a variety of reasons. I'm laying all that aside for now, and rejoicing in the beauty of a baby who was born in a stable among the animals. I'm choosing to disregard the stress of living, as much as I am able, and thanking God that I'm alive at all.

Seek out the joy as much as you can at this special time of year. Hold on to it. Christmas isn't just a day--it's a lifestyle and it's definitely worth pursuing!

Merry Christmas!

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