Christmas Cheer

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

God, in his amazing mercy, sent us a Savior to save us from His wrath that we so deserve.  And that is reason to celebrate - all year 'round - but especially during the Christmas season.  

So we invited some young couples from church over last Wednesday for some Christmas cheer - warm drinks, goodies, and games.

 

Besides the great friends, my favorite part was the yummy drinks.  I googled "warm Christmas drinks" and found some awesome recipes.  Brian wrote out the menu:

Nine couples came and it was so much fun to fellowship together as we celebrated Christ's birth.  And as we were all playing What's Yours Like? together, I was overcome with gratitude as tears welled up in my eyes - the LORD has given us so much.  Not only salvation through His Son, but friends in this tiny remote town...9 good girlfriends!  Wow.  And a warm home with fun Christmas decor and lights to make everything sparkle.  Candles.  Good food.  And joyous hearts.  It was a wonderful evening, and I am very thankful for all the Lord has given to us.

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The members of our church have been so gracious this season.  Al DeWitt spent two days hanging Christmas lights outside our house because he knew that Brian was just swamped with 2 funerals, 2 weddings, and 2 additional services on top of his normal monthly duties.  Thank you so much, Al!   Each day this week, the phone has been ringing with people asking to drop off gifts - hot chocolate, pork and beef for the freezer, vacation money, lefsa, strawberry pie, Scentsy burners, giftcards, ornaments, and cookies.  They are so good to attend to our physical needs and very generous - we are blessed by this congregation!  And Brian's flight to Andy's wedding?  A gift too.

Zion also loves Leo.  An invisible fence man from Des Moines showed up last week because the church is raising money (thanks, Mary!) for a fence to surround the property!  Leo and I will then receive four training sessions and then...the best part...I won't have to bundle up to take Leo out every three hours to go potty!  Yay yay yay!

It's hard to believe today is already December 23.  Last night Brian and I enjoyed the evening drinking Glogg and wrapping gifts together.  Tonight the college students are coming over, tomorrow is Christmas at our house with Brian's family (I am making the ham!), and Sunday we are off to celebrate Christmas with my family for a few days.  Friday brings an extra special treat with a visit from our California besties, Kgal and her hubby and son (who is just 3 weeks older than Aidan).  I have missed Kgal so so much and cherish our weekly phone dates...but I can't wait to squeeze her and see her face...I am tearing up just thinking about our sweet reunion.  And the last time our boys were together?  Sean was 3 weeks old and Aidan was 3 days old.  It will be so fun to see them interact.

Blessings to you and yours as you prepare to celebrate these next few days. May Christ be first in your heart and mind during this time.  Jesus is the BEST - He just rocks - I hope you know Him!