Christmas Time By Lawna Goodwine
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hristmas time officially starts the day after Thanksgiving at our house, and not a moment sooner. I am old fashioned enough that I don’t listen to Christmas music or decorate until I have fully enjoyed a day of thanksgiving and feasting with family and friends who gather at our table. It feels almost morally wrong for me to even consider jumping the gun and dragging out the crates of Christmas decorations any sooner than that. However, the day after Thanksgiving usually finds me putting away the fall decor and “decking the halls” so to speak. This includes: The nativity, the tree, the greenery and stockings on the mantle, the Christmas village, and the live wreath on the front door. Christmas music playing in the background sets the mood. There are holiday gatherings, Salvation Army bell ringers at almost every store, and new recipes to try, along with all the family favorites. There are sales to be shopped and packages to be mailed to out of state relatives. There are Christmas cards to ad-
dress for friends and family far and near. There is Christmas music to practice and a Christmas program to prepare for. There are choir and band concerts to attend. Just to name a few! With all the hustle and bustle of this time of year it is a challenge to really embrace what Christmas is all about. It is so much more than packages and bows. It is about an event that changed the course of history. It is about a baby. A little, tiny, helpless baby. The hope of the entire world! His name is Jesus! He came from heaven to earth to live among man kind. He lived a sinless life and then He died so that we might have the opportunity to live with Him forever. Of all the gifts that you will receive this Christmas, none can compare to the gift of salvation that is yours for the taking. Long after the food is eaten, the toys are broken or forgotten about, the clothes are worn out or outgrown, and the household items have been sold at a garage sale or taken to Goodwill, this gift will remain. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. In the early morning hours be-
8 APOSTOLIC ACCENT December 2013
fore anyone else is up and the house is quiet and still, I love to sit and sip my morning coffee and enjoy the beautiful holiday decor. As I glance at the nativity set and my eyes settle upon the baby in the manger, a peace fills my heart. And for that moment, all is right in the world.◊ ___________________________ Lawna Goodwin is a Pastor’s wife in North Bend, Oregon. She also serves as the section 3 ladies director for the Oregon District.