Christmas is gone

for another year.  I love the anticipation of Christmas, heck, I start in July (true story)!  I gleefully demand that the decorations are brought down the day after Thanksgiving and want to start decorating right away.  The tree glistens and looks so pretty especially once I finally get all of my wrapping done and the presents are nestled beneath it.  Then Christmas morning, my family opens their presents and I am awash in love and excitement, hoping I've bought or made the perfect gift for them.  I cook the ham dinner and at the end of the evening, I'm exhausted.  Another Christmas over and put to bed.  We wait until after New Year's Day to take down the tree.  But once New Year's is over I'm sooo ready for all of it to be put away!

I thank God that He gave us the precious gift of His Child brought forth so that we may have the chance to be with Him eternally.  The trappings of the tree, the gifts, the cooking, and the time spent together is wonderful but I try to never lose sight of the true gift I've been given.

I'm glad that the most important part of this holiday is not something I ever want to put away or undecorate. I'm beyond blessed that God wants me to join in His celebration all year round.

Yep, Christmas is gone, boxed up and ready to go back up into the attic.  But I hold that precious gift that God gave me like a beacon to cast light on all that I am through Him.

Thanks God, you are the ultimate gift giver.