the most wonderful time of the year

As a little girl, I would lay on the floor next to our Christmas tree looking up at all the lights and decorations. It was so wonderful and exciting to me, all of it. The stereo console would be playing an Elvis, or Gene Autry Christmas record, creating the perfect dreamy atmosphere.

Years later, and I still love Christmas. I love the decorations, music, silly movies, baking and giving. That’s one of the best parts, giving gifts to loved ones, and sharing my baked goods with neighbors and family. And, I absolutely love going to Christmas Eve service at church, especially if it’s candle lit.

I love the old ornaments we’ve got on our tree. Little brightly colored pieces of glass that are slightly tarnished and holding so many memories. They reflect the light so beautifully. They’re just things, but to me they represent so much more. It’s about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

I will celebrate my Savior and it’s a privilege to be able to do so. This is the only month we can say Christ every single day to complete strangers as we wish them a “Merry Christmas”. I say it as often as I can.

We are not guaranteed tomorrow, we only have today. So, today I choose to be grateful for right now. I am grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate the most amazing gift the world has ever received, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It’s worth celebrating, and is my most favorite thing. I will light the lights, hang the ornaments, and bless my loved ones with some homemade cookies to say, “Hallelujah!, The Savior was born!”.

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6, NKJV

Love you all,

Meghan

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Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

We all have Christmas traditions. One of ours is to play the movie White Christmas while the tree is being decorated. I love all the music from that classic movie. Of course the iconic “White Christmas” song by Irving Berlin is one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time. And I do love that song. But there’s another song from the movie that I love. “Count Your Blessings” was also written by Irving Berlin. He wrote it during a time he was suffering from insomnia brought on by stress. A doctor suggested to count his blessings instead. Good advice.

When I’m worried and I can’t sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep and I fall asleep counting my blessings
when my bankroll is getting small I think of when I had none at all
and I fall asleep counting my blessings.

I think about a nursery,
and I picture curly heads,
and one by one I count them
as they slumber in their beds.

If you’re worried and you cant sleep,
just count your blessings instead of sheep
and you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings.

Worry and stress are exasperated during this “Most Wonderful Time of The Year”. While it should be one of the happiest times, for many it can be one of the hardest. I think of this song often throughout the year when I feel stressed. When I stop and count all of my many blessings it gives me perspective. The problems will always come, but the gifts from our Heavenly Father will come too. So let’s thank Him for all He has given us, for all He has done and continues to do.

The Word of God is clear about what we are to do with our worry. Give it all over to Jesus. Here are just a few verses:

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7 (NIV)

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 (NIV)

No matter what you are facing today, stop and take a few moments to thank God for everything He has blessed you with. Write these blessings down and look at them daily to remember how faithful God is. Let’s count our blessings! Our lists should be so long that we run out of paper. If you are in a painful place, at least write a few blessings down. There is always something to be thankful for. Your list will grow as you begin to think about all the good God has done.

Here is a big blessing to start you off. Jesus came into this world as a tiny baby to save us. Thank you Jesus for the blessing and miracle of Christmas.

When we thank God for His many blessings something happens. We stop focusing on the problems and stress and start focusing on God. That changes our mood and our attitude. Our faith grows, and our praise gets stronger. That’s powerful!

May your load be a little lighter today. May God give you fresh joy and perspective when you think on all He has done.

Love you all,

Meghan

P.S. If you need prayer leave your request in the comments or on my contact page.

Images by monicore from Pixabay

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My Favorite Things

Count Your Blessings

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17