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Christmas time is here, happiness and cheer. This is the first Christmas I’m celebrating that I don’t feel the pressure of commercialism, that my kids aren’t asking for a bunch of stuff they don’t need, that my family has finally laid to rest the whole need to exchange gifts. This is my third Christmas walking with the Lord, fully understanding and appreciating the most wonderful gift anyone could ever give. This past Sunday at the Refuge, a second grade class came to perform the Christmas story. They were so sweet in their little manger scene costumes, reading the story from the Bible, singing carols. I cried with joy that fills my heart, knowing what the birth of our Lord and Savior means for mankind! This is the first Christmas I am giving things to folks who really need things, gift cards to the food store and gift cards to the toy store for those who can’t afford Christmas at all. I do believe this is the best Christmas I’ve had in a very long time. The Lord has stirred in me over these past 2 years a desire to give. Before I knew the Lord, I used to say if I won the lottery, I’d give 95% of the money away, who needs that much money? Money doesn’t buy happiness, I knew that deep down inside. The beautiful thing about my life now is that the gift God has given me makes me realize I have won something far better than the lottery and makes me want to give all that I can to those who need gifts. And there are so many things to give besides material things. There is love and mercy and time and compassion and prayer and friendship. I am so thankful for the gift which was given to me that I can’t help but give to others and point them to the most wonderful gift of all, Jesus Christ our Lord!

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

I pray you are having a blessed Christmas season!