CHRISTmas

Merry Christmas to you!

Whew!  Are you as crazy busy as I am?  It's 1:09AM, here, and I am sitting up, waiting for candy to harden so that I can add it to the gift baskets that my husband is taking to his coworkers.  Exhausted. 

It seems like the past two weeks have been a blur.  We've run, run, run... trying to get presents bought, wrapped and under a decorated tree.  I have to admit, I have four trees in my house.  I have a problem.  Every time I find a tree at a yard sale, I think it should go home with me.  Oh, well.  My yard sale addiction should be addressed in a separate post.  Its. that. bad. 

Several days ago, when my husband got home from work, we ran into town to see Santa.  We were throwing hair bows in, and tying a tutu on as we were stumbling into the mall. 

You see, in addition to my Christmas tree addiction, I have an addiction to Santa Claus pictures.  I have pictures framed of my daughter visiting Santa every year from birth.  It. must. happen. 

So, after all of the hustle and bustle, we came face to face with Santa.  Sweet, chunky monkey Santa.

And my child refused to sit in his lap.  As a matter of fact, as soon as we walked into the photo area, she screamed like we were sending her home with him, and never returning.

It was bad. 

I have to confess.  In that moment, I was so overwhelmed.  All I could think about was not getting a picture of her and Santa.  My foot was tapping.  My lips were puckered.  Eyes dilating.  Patience leaving my body.

My sweet husband said, "I'll get it."  But, he couldn't have pried her away to save his life.  

In that moment, as I looked on, and my child was pleading not to have to sit on Santa's lap, it dawned on me... memories are being made.  Don't take a picture that she'll look back on and hate every time she sees it.  What's the point in having a picture of something that everyone remembers as a bad moment?

So, we joined in.  That sweet Santa Claus was so patient with us.... I can't believe his chair didn't go to the ground... 

And, as I look at these pictures, I am reminded that it's not about the lights, or the trees... the ornaments, or the candy... it's not about Santa, tutus or hair bows...

It really boils down to one little baby....

One little baby who left the perfection of heaven to come to a dingy, dirty earth and save the world.... 

It was a strange way to save the world, but it is what God chose.... 

Christmas is about salvation....

...Jesus

...Love

...Forgiveness

...Sacrifice

...Selflessness

It's about so many things... so many things that rarely even make our "To Do" list. 

I'm reminded of these things (at 1:30AM, mind you)....

So, with Jesus on my mind and in my heart -
 I wish you a Merry Christ filled CHRISTmas!

Blessings to you, and glory and honor to HIM! 

((Hugs))

Heather