We're On The Home Stretch!
It's getting close. Can you feel it? It is only nine days until Christmas.
This is the week I will (finally) be decorating. We went and cut down a tree over the weekend and my house smells absolutely wonderful. The tree is up and (mostly) decorated. It's a little more minimalist this year which is quite different from my usual full tree. Mr. Marvelous has even talked about a second tree for all his quirky and crazy cow and pink flamingo ornaments, so I will pick up a small cheap one when I am out today. The garland and the wreath will go up on the front porch. The nativity sets are (mostly) up (I have more than one. I love nativity sets). The wisemenman has moved over to Switzerland ~ that means he is standing on top of my picture of Geneva ~ so is halfway around the living room to the nativity.
I will finish up shopping for gifts this week, and get a few things in the mail. I might even start my baking this week. I will be listening to some great music this week; Handel (I can never get enough of The Messiah), some Pergolesi (yes, it is in Latin. I still love it), some Mannheim Steamroller, some Transiberian Orchestra (see, I am eclectic), and some good old fashioned carols.
I will be getting ready for out of town company, time with the grandchildren whom my sister so generously shares with me, an extended family trip to the Alabama Theater to see a Christmas movie, and all the other delightful odds and ends that fill our days this time of year.
I will be sitting quietly in my rocker in the early mornings and late evenings (and throughout the day). I will be thanking God for His many gifts this past year; the ones that I am aware of, the ones that I don't even know He gave me, the ones that hurt, and especially for the gift of Jesus. I will be confessing my sins and confessing His ultimate authority in my life. I will be asking His peace and mercy to fill the hearts and homes of friends who have suffered through a family death this year. I will be asking Him to help me see Him more clearly; to know Him better and show Him better to the world around me. I will be listening.
Enjoy! Celebrate!
But in the middle of the enjoyment and the celebration, stop....
...and listen.
Remember Who this season is about.
Give thanks for the great gift we have been offered!
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