Dear Ones,
Hope you have a peace-filled day. So nice to have warmer weather!! We had a beautiful party last night with good food and carols and each one went away with a little tree. Today I am going to try a new recipe and have Women’s Bible study etc..
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Christmas is a most beautiful time of the year, full of joy, beauty, family times, programs and parties. But are we so snowed under with making it extra special, more beautiful, and full of more activities that we actually miss the real meaning of Jesus coming? I can still picture how simply the nuns celebrated Christmas when Al and I went to St. Scholastica. There was just a lighted Christmas tree before we went into the sanctuary with an empty manger beneath it. Each time the Sisters came to sing Psalms at the appointed times, they were aware of Jesus coming and anticipated Christmas morning when the manger would no longer be empty, but contain baby Jesus.

How do we receive Jesus? Do we get caught up on the glitz of the world and buy into the superficial ways of trying to find happiness and joy? The enemy will try to rob us every time and tempt us to look at worldly things to satisfy our heart’s hunger. He may suggest that we have to have a certain gift we see online to give us that feeling of importance and pride. He might also tempt us to spend money we don’t have and rack up a credit card bill that will sink us in the New Year.

But how much better when Jesus is the center of our lives and in first place! We center our preparations for Christmas around Him and seek to bring Him glory. We find ways to share Him with others, reaching out to the lonely and forgotten to help them know the Prince of Peace. We also may share in filling shoe boxes full of useful things to go to children all over the world. Our chiropractor sends out e-mails to let us know that coats are being collected for the needy and gifts for the children of prisoners for project Angel tree. What a surprise to see the front office filled with things for others in need! When we know Jesus, life is exciting and we can’t help but want to share with others.

Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to show you a special way you can express your love for Him in giving to another.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy