Tis the Season!

First of all, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of my american pals out there! (I know i'm a little early, but better that than forget altogether right? Hehe)

I can hardly believe how fast Christmas has come upon us this year! Can you?
It has crept up so fast, and i am not at all prepared for it! The only things that i have really done is write a gift list, and ideas. I have gotten a couple of decorations for the house, and laybyed a Christmas Tree, and some other decorations, but so far that is it! We are not even sure what we are doing for Christmas this year. With it being so late and all, we may just end up staying at home just us two. Sounds kinda fun, but i think we would miss it with our families! But on the other hand, our first Christmas together as a married couple sounds kinda fun, don't ya think? :)

Christmas for me is remembering Jesus, and what he did for us all as sinners. Not only that, but it's about spending time with family and loved ones. Getting to see the family that you dont get to see very often throughout the rest of the year. It comforts us, it brings us together. It should make us realise how blessed we really are, and how much we have to be thankful for. In a world that is getting worse every year, and a world that is so unthankful to God for the many blessings he has given them.

As i look back and remember, when i was young Christmas was all about presents! I was forever wondering "Who got me what!" "What is that HUGE present in the silver wrapping with the purple ribbon???!"
I remember my brother and i sneaking at the crack of dawn (even earlier!) to go into the living room and stare at all the presents under the tree and wonder which were ours. :) What sweet memories we all have as growing up at Christmas time! I would even get up at 3:00am, on a toilet break and make a detour to the living room to see what i could get a peek at! Haha One year, i remember i saw a bike for myself.. it wasnt wrapped and i was sooo happy i couldnt sleep for the rest of the morning! So i just lay there, and at 5:30 i got up and went and woke my little brother up and we both went out and looked. :) Mothers instinct kicked in and she ALWAYS caught us. Haha Oh well, she didnt mind us getting up early like that. It got even more exciting when there were 5 of us all waking up opening our presents before the crack of dawn i tell you! :)

Now that i am older, i realise that it is not gifts that make Christmas important. It's what you do with the opportunity of the season, that it brings. It's all about family, and loved ones. Spending time with them, letting them know how much you love and appreciate them.

Is this season not the perfect time to witness to our friends and family? I think we couldnt get a better time!

This year, i am planning on sending out a Gospel tract with all of my Christmas Cards with a little note to all of my friends and loved ones. As the bible says, "Work for the night is coming..." i believe our time and opportunity will soon pass, and we will no longer have such opportunities to witness.

So for Christmas 2008, Make this holiday season count.
With a little faith, persistance, prayer, and hard work you never know what God can do. :)

Love,
Melissa