It's not about us...It's about Him!

Christmas is by far my favorite time of year.

First, there is the weather...I love the weather.  Though it hasn't happened yet this year, is there anything better than waking up to a snow covered world?  It makes everything so beautiful and looks so peaceful.  And I love sitting in front of a fireplace watching the flames flicker.

I love the happy faces and excitement that you see at Christmas.  People are always so much happier...oddly enough in our self centered society, it is at the time of year where so many focus on giving to others, that I see the most joy in people's faces.

And then there is the most important thing about Christmas.  At this time of year the entire world is celebrating the birth of our Savior.  If you celebrate Christmas, you are celebrating Christ's birth...even if you don't realize it.  How cool is that?  (For those of you who like to point out that Jesus was not actually born on Christmas Day, let me assure you that this is not news to me.  But it is the day that we choose to celebrate His birth, so please...let's skip that particular argument.)  Plus, at Christmas we have many more opportunities to share the love of Christ because people just seem more open to it.  Like I said, they are celebrating His birth...even if they don't know who He is.  Sometimes that causes folks to pause then want to learn more about Him.  Let us pray that many ask those questions this year.

Several years ago, I heard a Christmas song by Go Fish called "It's about the Cross" and it has rapidly become one of my all time favorite Christmas songs.  I wanted to share it on here today as a reminder of what the season is really all about.  After all, if it were not for the birth of Christ, we could not celebrate his amazing gift to us at Easter.  And without his salvation...we'd all be lost.  Thank you Jesus!  I'm so excited to be celebrating You this season!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr0Khzknt6w

Voting Day!

Today is the day we have long awaited.  For some, the excitement comes from getting to vote in their first election.  For others, it is simply because we know what a privilege it is to be able to vote and we want to do our duty.  And for others still, it is because we know that after today we will no longer be bombarded with political ads...and let's face it, that is a blessing for everyone.

Today, as I went to vote, I was excited to do my part.  I know that it is an honor to be able to vote.  Many people have fought and died so that I can voice my opinion on who should run our city, county, state, and country.  My one of my roommates from college, Krista Embry, put this on her facebook page today:

Day 6 of Thanksgiving: I am thankful today for those who have gone before and protected my freedom to have my voice heard as I choose a candidate in the election. Even though those who died protecting our freedom may not be able to cast a ballot today, in a way, all of us who are, and do - still give them a voice.

Excellent words Krista!  Very well said!  I agree wholeheartedly.

Some have said that they chose not to vote today, or perhaps they have "thrown away" their vote by writing in a candidate that is fictional.  That is also their right.  It is unfortunate that anyone would choose to do either of those things, but they have the right to do what they please whether I like it or not and I am glad that they have the opportunity to make their own choices.  We live in a land that lets us have the right to choose and that is something that we should never take lightly.  Too many people around the world would give anything to have the opportunity to vote for us to ever see it as anything less than a privilege.

I am proud that I have the right to vote.  I am honored that I got to do so today.  I will commit to praying for whichever candidate wins the election...even if it is not the one I voted for.  Will you do the same?