This being Christmas Eve, I would like to share the true meaning of Christmas with all of my precious family and friends. You are all so dear to me and I wish I could spend Christmas with each and every one of you. Just remember, I may not be able to be with you physically, but I am there in spirit. You all are always in my thoughts, heart, and prayers.
We should also remember all those precious people who have come and gone in our lives. Christmas has a very special meaning to me, not only for the birth of Jesus, but it was special for me because my family always got together on Christmas Eve. This was the most special day for my mom. She loved Christmas so much, as do I. Everyone has special reasons for this day and it remains in your heart as a special memory, and that memory will always remain with us for the rest of our lives. Our lives have become so busy and families have grown with other responsibilities, that trying to spend Christmas together has be come hard. Though you may not be able to be together, give those special people in your lives a call, just to say Merry Christmas or even to say hi. This will truly warm your heart, as it will theirs. Everyone just likes to know they are being thought of every once and a while, especially at Christmas time. Love to all.
This is a passage from Luke 2: 1-20, which I hope will help us to remember why we have Christmas and how important this day truly is. This passage is read every Christmas Eve when I am together with the family.
Luke - Chapter 2: The Christmas Story
From the KJV Holy Bible
1 AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Other things happening today were:
I am in Pennsylvania with family. These 2 days mean so much to me being close to the ones I love and care about. The drive was uneventful. I hope all those who will be driving over the next few days make it to their destinations safely.
The snow is almost gone. We still have some, but not much. There is ice every where and you have to watch were you walk. The ice is from the standing water. Here is a picture of the river by the house, as you can see it is up to the top of the bank.
As you can see by the picture, there is still some snow, but the river in the background is up at the top of the bank. It has started to recede though and should be back to normal with in about 24-48 hrs.
My love to all. I will write again tomorrow.
Hi to everyone in Florida and on Long Island. Safe driving.
I heard from Amy last week and she told me she and Jason were going to have a girl! The ultrasound shows everything looks good, nothing unusual. They are so excited and have just bought a crib. Jason was so excited that he already put it together just to see what it looked like. Of course, he also took it back down, their trailer just does not have the extra room right now and it will be quite a while before the baby is born. They need to get a mattress for the crib yet. The theme for the baby is going to be baby pooh. Diane is planning a baby shower for April 12th at the Davenport Fire House, it is going to be a coed shower. Jason wants to see what they get and it is not a surprise shower. Keep your date open.
