UNWRAPPING THE BLESSINGS….               

It’s all over… the tree is being replaced by the easy chair that usually sits by the fireplace.  The gifts have been distributed, either to be used, worn or in many cases, returned to the places of purchase.  Leftovers are warmed over – crumbs of the last piece of coconut cake and pecan pie are scraped clean so that the special Christmas dishes can be stored away for another year.

How dear to our hearts are these memories that are relived from year to year –  growing sweeter as does wine with age.  With each year that passes, inevitable change is necessary – life in general creates change.  One thing, however, that never changes is the ‘reason for the season’ – the birth of the one and only Son of God, Jesus Christ. 

Christmas is not just any celebration – not just another holiday – another reason to light candles and sing - it’s the original gift that keeps on giving 24/7.  Just because the visible signs of the season are put away and our lives are, for the most part, back to normal – it isn’t over, far from it!  When Jesus comes into your heart and becomes, not only Lord and Savior, but your best friend, He becomes a way of life – a belief that each new day is a blessing – a gift to be unwrapped and enjoyed as on Christmas morn. 

How special we are – how much we are loved!  There are no special requirements – no tests – no expiration date.  All we have to do is to accept, and by faith, believe, in order to receive His gift of Life and Love.

As the New Year approaches, my thoughts turn to resolving issues, doing better, being better – promises to begin a new and improved year – the best ever!  Only time will tell – God has the year already planned, and the year after and the year after that.  All I can do is stay close to Him and be thankful as I unwrap the Blessed Gift of each new day.

                        ________________________________________________

·        “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.”    1Thessalonians 5:16-18  (The Message)