Christmas.....Red and White....

~A little pop of Christmas Red

on our screened porch~

~My theme this year is White and Red!  Perched in the Snow on the mantel, an Angel.....the beautiful angel was a gift from my

son-in-law, Brian, on my 50th birthday~(yes, he is thoughtful)

~The white deer were from my grandmother's Christmas treasures~

~The larger photo of Paris was a gift from my father in law's treasures of WWII~

~The smaller Paris photo is a treasured postcard  sent to me from Kara and Phil~ postmarked....Paris, France

~The little book is a recent purchase....The Night Before Christmas in Paris~

So....imagine my suprise, when Kara sent me this beautiful picture of a

beautiful Parisian snowfall.....and the woman asending the stairs in RED!

My theme seems to keep reocurring in places......WHITE and RED!

The beauty of Christmas is simple no matter where we celebrate or how we decorate the truth is......God sent the world a redeeming gift..... His Son Jesus.  He sent Him through a young Jewish girl named Mary and when the baby arrived, the Scriptures declare that she wrapped Him in swadding cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Shepherds also were nearby in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Try and imagine their thoughts as suddenly an Angel appeared to them announcing and confirming the EVENT which had just taken place, offering a calming assurance (that only an angel could do) that in spite of all the busy activity in the world about them, a miracle had just taken place which would bring JOY for all people.  Yes, a Savior was born in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord!  On that same night, suddently there was with the angel a multiude of heavenly host praising God and saying:

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Yes, on this quiet night, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we behold His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:14 

I cherish the words above and reflect on the traditions of decorating our homes, buying and sharing gifts, baking cookies, singing Christmas carols, attending or being a part of programs at our churches and also in the community.  These moments help to bring us joy and excitment as we prepare for Christmas Day.  I enjoy the traditions we have "built" in our family over the years.....the fun of Christmas Eve, reading the Christmas story as a family and the laughter of everyone being together and building new memories each year. These are truly important in the life and legacy of a family.  But the most important part to me is the being together.  The blessings of watching the faces of the children and the grandchildren when they receive a gift that was unexpected. So, so sweet!  The motivation for giving for us all, I hope, will be love. THe Heavenly Father gave His greatest gift of Jesus because He loved us before we were ever born.....amazing love!

A softly illuminated room with a beautiful Christmas tree is the perfect place to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.  Gifts of love.....gifts that leave behind memories for our family and friends.  Yes, that is what I plan to do....create memories for every person on my list in an atmosphere of love and beauty.  Maybe, I will walk in the snow and wear red!

Enjoy these lovely days leading up to Christmas! Soak it all in.......all around you!

I am praying that everyone who reads these words will have a Christmas that is beautiful and blessed and that truly creates a memory.