SIMPLY GIVE...

I was thinking today about the word "SIMPLIFY" and what relief it can bring. We have had snow for the past week. All the hustle and bustle that is the norm for this time of year has been slowed to a blessed halt. Such a week! Christmas is almost here and in the past I would be frantically shopping and wrapping gifts, staying up way too late and basically missing the spirit of the season. This year is different. It started out that way when our kids, aged 20 something suggested that we don't exchange gifts because money is tight. While I thought the idea was a good one, I love the giving part of Christmas. I think it is really fun to listen to hints throughout the year about a need or want here or there and try to surprise the receiver with a little something they weren't expecting. Well, I couldn't let the season go by without some sort of gifting so I suggested to my family that we all come up with gifts of our time for each other that would make the receiver feel cared about; no money involved. I have to admit that while it seems simple, it has been quite challenging...so much easier to just buy something and call it good. My wish is that we will learn to love each other better through the giving of ourselves. A little sacrifice for the sake of another can only bring about good changes. Just look at our example; the reason we celebrate Christmas at all...the ultimate sacrifice... God's gift to us of His ONLY Son who eventually gave up His life for ours. A sacrifice that changed the course of this world in ways both known and not yet fully understood. What a thoughtful gift of love! May you all find the peace of God at this special time of year and cherish the most precious gift of all... JESUS!

"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. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:8-11 NIV

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