Christmas Simplicity

We hosted Thanksgiving at our place for the first time this year, and it was a beautiful celebration of the blessings of family and togetherness. Most years decorating for Christmas follows the day after Thanksgiving, but this year... I. Can. Not. Seem. To. Get. In. The. Mood.

So finally, one afternoon when Randy was hunting with the older two boys, I took the others and we headed to the mountains too, only we were on the hunt for berries and greenery and all things natural. I have had no energy or desire for anything fake or gaudy. We cut a myriad of evergreen fronds and came home with a van load of simplicity. It was lovely. We formed our own wreaths and proudly put them up. A single strand of white lights surround our back windows, and I enjoy them lit every early morning with coffee and Jesus and each evening after dinner with a glass of wine and Jesus. Always Jesus.

This year, with all of everything else that seems to be, I just want Jesus. He is my goal. He is my reason. He is my why and my way. Anything else is just too much. I desire only to live fully free, from a pure heart, soul, mind, and with all my strength. I want to be and do everything He's ever dreamed of me. I long to be among a people who truly embrace the simplicity of this tiny Christmas miracle King. Let us BELIEVE and RECEIVE Him fully!

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

"It came upon the midnight clear,

that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold: "Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven's all-gracious King." The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old, when with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing."

-Edmund H. Sears