Let the Christmas Cheer Begin!

Let the Christmas Cheer Begin!

 

 

‘Tis the time of year to get Christmas pictures taken, sign endless Christmas cards, attend multiple holiday functions, shop, cook, bake, travel, and shop some more! Let’s not loose the real meaning of Christmas while hanging lights, and caroling. It is easy to get too busy buying, and shipping those gifts to miss the real GIFT of the season – Our Savior’s birthday! Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the entire world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city called Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them at the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said to them,

Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born today in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

Let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.

And they came with haste, and found, Mary, Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

The Gospel according to St. Luke Chapter 2 verses 1-20.

 

From our family to yours… Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

Neighborly Christmas

Well, its the first of December and yes, we have a Christmas tree up. Why? Well, we host the neighborhood Christmas party every year since we moved into this neighborhood. It helps us reconnect beyond the friendly waves we share year round. I originally started it so we could get to know our neighbors better. There was already a couple that hosted 4th of July, and one for Valentines Day.
We live in a great neighborhood. Folks are ready and willing to watch your home for ya, should you take a holiday away. We have experienced this and have gladly done the same for others. I've never lived in a place before where folks are so free to give you a key to their home. The trust here is just amazing!
Once when I was at work, I got a call from my neighbor across the street, he asked me if anyone was supposed to be at our home. I didn't think so, and told him such. Bless his heart, he had the guys plates run that was taking a break in our driveway. "That person has no business being there, didn't he see the Neighborhood watch sign?" were the words coming out of the phone. I smiled. We have the pleasure of several police officers living in our area also. They are but a phone call away.
During the year, we call each other when we find sales on gardening and landscaping supplies. We have been known to go out of town together to pick a batch of blueberries for a Fourth of July celebration. Any extras from a sale, or the garden - brace yourself for they are coming to your door! It is grand to know that if you are short an egg or cup of milk, it is a pleasure for them to come to your aid!
One set of neighbors found out our youngest takes our recycling to school, now he takes theirs also! We count our neighbors when we count our blessings!