Spirit of Christmas!!

Finally. FINALLY we've had some time to slow things down, relax, and "feel" the Christmas spirit this year!!

I was rocking Jackson to sleep and starting singing one of my favorite Christmas songs, "Silent Night." There is just something about the words of that song and the history, the blessings, and the love that I feel when I sing it, hear it...

Growing up we had the tradition of on Christmas Eve singing Christmas carols around the piano. This is one that we also sing in German...I love that because we're German. I'm named after my German grandmother, something that I am sooo proud of and grateful for. So many thoughts and feelings come when I hear this song, sing it, read the words of it. Even when I'm struggling with things, this song seems to remind me that I have a Heavenly Father who loves and watches out for me. That, at this wonderful time of the year, I am reminded that Jesus Christ was born and died for all of us...

It also gets me thinking about 2007 and my dad's accident in Germany... there really aren't enough words to describe what it's like to almost lose your father, and then be given the gift of more years on this earth with him. The GIFT of life...it brings tears of gratitude to my eyes when I think of ALL I have to be grateful for in my life. That was such a hard time in life, but in all honesty it was SUCH a time of growth and learning, progress, realizations, blessings, and gratitude. It's amazing to me how bad it was, and now how good it is. I mean we all still have our trials and my dad still has his set backs, but, he.is.here. For whatever reason it was not his time and I am forever grateful!!

At Christmas, a time that we get to slow down (finally) and spend time with family and friends, (the most important people in this life!!) I am grateful. I am so grateful not only for my father but also my mother, my sisters and brother, my in-laws, my extended family, my friends near and far, and co workers. For a home, and jobs, for cars that work(semi-miracle for those who know me), and for health insurance that we use oh so often!!

I am truly grateful for this time of year and the reflection on life that it brings. For the gift of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! For the gift of the gospel and the knowledge that it brings, the peace and joy that it brings!! I LOVE the SPIRIT of CHRISTMAS!!!! My wish (as cheesy as it sounds!!) is for EVERYONE to know of the love that comes with the TRUE Spirit of CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!