"So......Are you Ready for Christmas?"

It seems as though everywhere I go, this is the question on everyone's minds.  Either someone is asking me personally, frantic shoppers are asking each other, or friends are contemplating this dilemma over their lunch break.  In any case, the Question of the week seems to inevitably be.........
........."So00000000....are you ready for Christmas?"  
Some answer "no".  Some answer "almost".  Some answer "I think so".....but rarely have I heard someone answer with a resounding "yes!".


Take heart ♥ my friends.  It is my guess that some 2000 years ago, those Shepherds in the fields weren't ready either.  Quietly tending their sheep, ready to go home and throw the hook in the closet and call it a night, put their feet up, tend the fire, and warm themselves up with some stew & hot milk... 
But you and I both know that's not what happened ....... don't we?

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  
(Luke 2:8-9)


Can't you just hear the shepherds amongst themselves? 
"Oh no! We're not ready!!  We have nothing to bring and no time to shop, nothing to wear and no time to pick up the good cloak, no food made for such a trip and no time to ask the wife to whip something up"......  


But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  (Luke 2:10-12)

Sweet Friends....the day Jesus Christ was born, Heaven came to US.  On that cold winter night, in the form of a newborn baby, Heaven came to us.  God sent His Son to US, because, although the World may not have known it, 
WE. WERE. READY.  
Ready for a .......
Wonderful Counselor.
Holy Comforter.
Prince of Peace.
Everlasting Father.
Mighty God.
Ready for..............................IMMANUEL.  The name above ALL names.  Immanuel. GOD WITH US. †

As God's children, we are BORN ready. ♥

Before I made you in your mother’s womb,
   I knew you.
Before you were born,
   I CHOSE YOU............................(Jeremiah 1:5, emphasis mine)

God's Peace, Love, Joy, and Abundant Blessings be yours this Christmas Season ~
xo Tera


 

The Heart ♥ of Christmas

It's been a long time since I have written.....too long actually....  I could give you a million excuses....stress on the job, increased responsibilities, kids' activities, family obligations.....Am I alone?

The truth is, I haven't taken the time.  The time to stop. pause. realize. recognize.

I just finished watching "The Heart of Christmas"...a new world premiere movie on Gmc.  Can you believe I even convinced the entire family to watch it with me?

  Yes, even the husband and the teenage boy.  All five of us, gathered together, in front of a fire and a tv set....

It was the true story of the Locke family.  A family touched by cancer.  A family that eventually lost their son in the battle that claimed his physical body.  A family that, in the end,  allowed Faith to win...with the love, help, support, and encouragement of Family, Friends, Strangers, and the Dedicated Staff of St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, FAITH won.

What touched me the most about this story, this personal story, and what prompted me to write tonight is, as the title explains, what is truly at the HEART♥ of Christmas (and every other day of our temporary time spent here on Earth). At the heart, is EACH OTHER.  For Love, Help, Comfort, Support, Encouragement, Time, Energy, and Healing, God GAVE us the greatest gift....EACH OTHER.

Jesus gave such a strict command.....one last command before HE went home.......LOVE EACH OTHER. 

"I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you."

....John 13:34

I realized tonight as I watched this film, that the GREATEST SINGLE GIFT that God has given us is..........EACH OTHER.

THAT ......is why it was His final command.  His final instruction.

The time we spend here is short.  God has our home prepared for us when we leave....

 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.".......Exodus 23:20

If you are reading this blog and you are holding a grudge.......forgive them.

If you are jealous of someone.......bless them.

If you are angry with someone.......pray for them.

And above all else........when it comes to each and every human being that God places in your path.........LOVE THEM.

Sweet Friends ~ Love Each Other. Days it's easy. Days it's hard.  Days you want to. Days you don't. Each and Every Day - - - Love Each Other. It was God's Plan.....for ALL of us - His CHILDREN, to be there for each other in every way we are able.....until He calls us back HOME. ♥

* Last Christmas, our son Thomas made donations to St.Jude's Hospital on behalf of each of his family members.  It touched our hearts and changed lives in the process.  If you would like to donate to St. Jude's, please visit their website at

www.stjude.org

~~~~~~~God's Blessings to you all as we celebrate the Love, Hope, Peace, Joy, and  HEART♥ of Christmas~~~~~~

Tera