Christmas Time!!

  My favorite time of year is quickly approaching!! I always anticipate the arrival of the Christmas season. I relish the gathering of family and friends, baking desserts, and shopping for gifts to give to my parents and siblings. When I walk into my home, I love inhaling the aroma of pine from the Christmas Tree. There are so many things to be thankful for.

  Strangely, the weather here in California has stayed very mild - quite like autumn. During the winter months here in the Central Valley, we generally experience grim weather - cold and rainy - instead of warm cloudless days. Although I miss the stormy climate, being warm when I get out of bed has been a very nice change. ;)

   Finals went quite well; I wrote reports for English and U.S. History, and took a written test for Algebra II. My grades were satisfactory this semester, and I give the glory to God. He truly helped me get through the hectic finals week. 

  Every Christmas, we enjoy spending the day with my Dad's side of the family at my grandmother's house. She cooks a delightful dinner, and our family cooks and brings desserts to share. The dish I bring this year is chocolate cheesecake - my favorite!!

   Also, Christmas happens to be on a Sunday this year! What is a better way to spend Christmas, than sitting in Church hearing the account of Jesus' birth. It will be very special to spend Christmas morning fellowshipping with our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

   While preparing for Christmas, my family and I have run into a little unexpected dilemma...our oven broke....and will not be fixed until after Christmas, hehe. :D However, we will (hopefully) be able to finish all our baking at our grandmother's house. Preparing our Christmas dishes without this appliance will prove to be a very interesting experience...however, it will be another unique memory to reflect upon with smiles and laughter!!

   What are your Christmas traditions? How do you celebrate? 

   Amidst all of the hustle and chaos during Christmas, it is important to remember the true reason we celebrate. Unfortunately, Christmas is so heavily commercialized that people focus on Santa Claus or getting new presents. The birth of Jesus Christ is the most beautiful gift the Father gave us. Although he was probably born around harvest time (autumn), December 25th is a day to remember that Jesus Christ left his Heavenly throne and became a baby. He lived a perfect, sinless life so that we can go to Heaven and spend eternity praising Him!! What a wonderful reason to celebrate Christmas!!

"Glory to God in the Highest; on Earth peace; goodwill toward men." - Luke 2:14