Christmas 2014

Every year I get more behind despite my promises to myself. I did not get my tree up  until the first of December  I did not get all my decorations out, in fact I only used about 6 of the 20+ boxes.  Next year I am starting in October which will mean,  because of my procrastination issues, that by Thanksgiving I will have  at least my tree up.  The upside to the sparse decorations is that I should be able to put everything away in a day. It made me somewhat sad not to have everything out because I now have a new little audience for my talking toys, stuffed animal displays, my collections of Santas and my many, many nativity sets.  I loved watching Winston just stand and look at the tree.   He just stood there with a smile on his face.  Then he and his cousins decided to rearrange some of the ornaments. That was the very reason that everything from 2 feet down was unbreakable. 

 

 

I am in awe watching the grandchildren.  I love seeing things thru their eyes,  I love experiencing the magic that only Christmas can bring.  Thank you Jesus for these gifts that you have given me.  Thank you for their innocence and their love for their Mawmaw. 

 

Christmas Eve was spent with my family.  Joshua in from working in West Virginia and his family, Rebekah and her family, Taunte Jill Forbes(my other "sister"), Frances and Benny Garrard and of course Stan and me.  I said the prayer and of course got teary eyed.  The older I get the more I get emotional when I pray, just like my mom used to.  I cannot look at my family and not feel so much love.  I have wonderful children and they have given me my grandchildren.  My heart is so very full that it overflows sometimes thru my eyes.  We had a wonderful dinner if I do say so myself.  Prime rib, all the casseroles, the two traditional  Jello dishes, a bottle or two of Rosa Ragale and several deserts.  In chaos we opened our stockings and our presents.  It was THE BEST watching the babies open their things.  They have such fun and it makes me happy to be a part of that process.  Jill and I partially cleaned up after everyone left and went to Rebekah's house to help her get ready for Christmas morning.  It has been rush, rush, rush for the last week and I have not spent time thinking about the true meaning of the holiday.  Tonight just before I sat to write this  I read the most beautiful words ever written ( crying while I read of course)and I want to share them with you:

 

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and The Government shall be upon His Shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty GOD, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His Government and peace there shall be no end, upon the Throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this"(Isaiah 9:6-7).

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child.

 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 

2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb

What a glorious day, this celebration of Jesus birth.  I hope this day found you filled with love, and family.  I hope that your wishes came true and I pray that the Baby in the manger finds his way into your heart. 
So to my family: Joshua and Sydni Hart, their children Aries and Allison, Rebakah and Shane Garrard and their son  Winston, to Taunte Jill, and to Stan, I love you all to the moon and back.  You are my heart.