Merry Christmas
Coming into this holiday season, I was determined to make the most of it with my kids and husband. I had read about the Danish lifestyle of “hygge” (pronounced ho͞oɡə), which is defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).”
It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of doing and getting and going, and to lose sight of our family and the connections with them that can and should be made and maintained. We had a rare ice day last week, and the five of us gathered on the couch snuggled under warm, cozy blankets to watch a couple of episodes of our current favorite show along with a Christmas movie. It was such a relaxing time!
I encourage you over the next few days to take time to discover that feeling of coziness and comfortable conviviality with your family. Turn on some Christmas music, grab some hot chocolate (or tea or coffee) and enjoy the time you have.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!
Tamara & family
Our church hosts a Women’s Christmas Brunch each year and last year’s verse was Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This verse has stuck with me and I think of it often. We are all going through a lot but I pray that during this Christmas season you can cling on to God’s peace and joy. May the Lord bless you and your family this Christmas season.
Laura & family
One of my family’s favorite traditions is driving around and looking at Christmas lights. We turn the radio on to some Christmas music and take off to various neighborhoods close by. A few days before Christmas or at most the week before is the best time to look at the lights. It ensures the most lights on display. When we are done, we come back to the house and make some hot chocolate to enjoy and discuss which ones were our favorites. Whatever your favorite tradition, I wish you the best to enjoy it and the merriest Christmas.
Amy & family
This season I am bringing a little bit of hope to all of you. I know Christmas is a hard holiday for many people, whatever the reason may be. We have all had our fair share of warfare. It may be spiritual warfare, physical warfare, mental warfare, or even financial warfare. Whatever it is, it can seem like that you are all alone and some of you may be feeling a little bit “less than” others. But I am here to tell you: You are worthy!
I want to share a bit of magic that happened to me this past Sunday. I was invited to the Crossroads Church in town and I swear God put me in that place at that moment. God knew I needed a reminder. I haven’t been to church since Covid started and have been feeling a little “less than”. The whole service was magical but the most important thing I took away from that day was that even with God knowing my sins he said “Come”. There is a place for me at the table, God saved me a seat. He also saved a place for you. Jesus is the Lord of the table and everyone belongs. We may never be good enough to sit at God’s table but his grace will always be sufficient and if you come, you can partake. We are all in this together and with a little help, we can overcome anything. When we are at the table, we are family.
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Amanda & Family
