Don’t
you just love this time of the year?
Kids
bundling up to play in the snow, then racing inside with rosy cheeks, flushed
with excitement. Christmas music playing softly on the radio. Pumpkin pies
baking in the oven, the scents of ginger and cinnamon drifting through the
house. Whispers and giggles as children point out colorfully wrapped presents
under a gigantic pine tree loaded with pinecones and sentimental ornaments. Snuggling
in front of the fireplace with hubby while you cheer for football teams or watch
your favorite movie. Loading up the car for road trips to visit family members
you haven’t seen in awhile. Squirting whipped cream on a tall mug of hot
chocolate for a late afternoon yummy. Watching the glow of a thousand candles
light up a sanctuary, and songs of praise reaching toward heaven.
Christmas
is a highlight of my year. Sure, it’s crazy busy with buying and wrapping gifts,
attending school and church programs, making the rounds at holiday parties,
school exams, visiting relatives. But, during this hectic season, I make a
conscious effort to slow down, to thank God for the “ultimate” gift given to
me.
What’s
the ultimate gift? A chance for a fresh start. A giant eraser to wipe away the
grunge. Paint bright enough to cover black walls. Spring-cleaning from the
ceiling to the floor and all those dusty blinds in between.
It’s a gift
given to you by a loving Father. No strings attached. “For it is by grace you
have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of
God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8-9, NIV)
Wow!
Merry Christmas!
What
about you? What’s your favorite time of the year and why?
Labels: christian fiction, contemporary romance, Dora Hiers, inspirational romance, Journey's Edge, Journey's End, White Rose Publishing
