My, what a year this year has been! Although I find myself saying that statement during every Christmas season, each year I'm still filled with the same amount of surprise, excitement, wonder, and gratitude. I love the fact that Christmas falls at the end because it's honestly the perfect time to be reminded how far we have come in the year and in life. The celebration of our Savior's birth is not only a celebration of hope and life but it is the exact reason why we also have hope and life. Without Him, none of this would all be possible. I'm so thankful that God sent His son down in the purest and most humble form just for us! With that said, I pray you all have the best of Christmases, the happiest of times this year. Regardless of where you are, who you are with or how you celebrate, know that you are loved!
Bye Bye Ms. American Pie
I had my first American visitor fly over in December. My friend Adaora came all 7,703 miles from Portland, Oregon to see me - well that and I guess the Sydney sites but who’s keeping track? Ok, so I guess while I’m being honest I did use her as an excuse to behave like a tourist myself. Here are a few snapshots from our time together.
Just because it’s not mounted on glass frame in a fancy building doesn’t mean it’s not art. We saw quite a lot of graffiti around town and some of the murals were so good it was like getting a free walking art tour.
While we did see a lot of the famous sites like the Sydney Bridge and the Sydney Harbour we saw a lot of local places too. I suggest that if you do ever travel - or if you happen to stay at home - get to know the city. I mean the real city and not just the main attractions.
These two weeks (and three days) went by all too fast but I’m so thankful that she was able to take some time to come visit. Love you Adaora!
I’m not gonna tell you stop buying presents, or to take all attention away from your Christmas tree because that would be plain silly. I mean let’s not kid ourselves here, getting gifts is awesome and after a few hours of hard-core decorating you can’t be anything but proud of that gorgeous tree in your living room.
However, what I want to remind you all is to not forget the true meaning. The first and most important reason why we all gather together in December: the birth of Jesus Christ. He is truly the reason for this season because on this day years ago God sent down His one and only son to be born and become the salvation of the world. So whether you have gifts to open and/or give, or even if you don’t have any at all you can still celebrate. This day is not only meant for those who can afford it, it is meant for all.
Jesus’ birth in a manger was not just to signify the start of a glorious salvation but to show everyone that your no matter who you are or where you come from you can still be content and joyful. Being that Jesus was born technically homeless it could have been seen as a sad and unfortunate event but we must not choose to look at the negative. That night, a savior was born unto us. Unending peace and infinite joy began with a baby boy.
So, while you are at home, at a friend’s, with relatives, or even in between spots right now remember how much God loves you. Remember He came to Earth to live and die for us.
Merry Christmas y’all, and happy holidays.
I’m not gonna tell you stop buying presents, or to take all attention away from your Christmas tree because that would be plain silly. I mean let’s not kid ourselves here, getting gifts is awesome and after a few hours of hard-core decorating you can’t be anything but proud of that gorgeous tree in your living room.
However, what I want to remind you all is to not forget the true meaning. The first and most important reason why we all gather together in December: the birth of Jesus Christ. He is truly the reason for this season because on this day years ago God sent down His one and only son to be born and become the salvation of the world. So whether you have gifts to open and/or give, or even if you don’t have any at all you can still celebrate. This day is not only meant for those who can afford it, it is meant for all.
Jesus’ birth in a manger was not just to signify the start of a glorious salvation but to show everyone that your no matter who you are or where you come from you can still be content and joyful. Being that Jesus was born technically homeless it could have been seen as a sad and unfortunate event but we must not choose to look at the negative. That night, a savior was born unto us. Unending peace and infinite joy began with a baby boy.
So, while you are at home, at a friend’s, with relatives, or even in between spots right now remember how much God loves you. Remember He came to Earth to live and die for us.
Merry Christmas y’all, and happy holidays.
I’m not gonna tell you stop buying presents, or to take all attention away from your Christmas tree because that would be plain silly. I mean let’s not kid ourselves here, getting gifts is awesome and after a few hours of hard-core decorating you can’t be anything but proud of that gorgeous tree in your living room.
However, what I want to remind you all is to not forget the true meaning. The first and most important reason why we all gather together in December: the birth of Jesus Christ. He is truly the reason for this season because on this day years ago God sent down His one and only son to be born and become the salvation of the world. So whether you have gifts to open and/or give, or even if you don’t have any at all you can still celebrate. This day is not only meant for those who can afford it, it is meant for all.
Jesus’ birth in a manger was not just to signify the start of a glorious salvation but to show everyone that your no matter who you are or where you come from you can still be content and joyful. Being that Jesus was born technically homeless it could have been seen as a sad and unfortunate event but we must not choose to look at the negative. That night, a savior was born unto us. Unending peace and infinite joy began with a baby boy.
So, while you are at home, at a friend’s, with relatives, or even in between spots right now remember how much God loves you. Remember He came to Earth to live and die for us.
Merry Christmas y’all, and happy holidays.
I’m not gonna tell you stop buying presents, or to take all attention away from your Christmas tree because that would be plain silly. I mean let’s not kid ourselves here, getting gifts is awesome and after a few hours of hard-core decorating you can’t be anything but proud of that gorgeous tree in your living room.
However, what I want to remind you all is to not forget the true meaning. The first and most important reason why we all gather together in December: the birth of Jesus Christ. He is truly the reason for this season because on this day years ago God sent down His one and only son to be born and become the salvation of the world. So whether you have gifts to open and/or give, or even if you don’t have any at all you can still celebrate. This day is not only meant for those who can afford it, it is meant for all.
Jesus’ birth in a manger was not just to signify the start of a glorious salvation but to show everyone that your no matter who you are or where you come from you can still be content and joyful. Being that Jesus was born technically homeless it could have been seen as a sad and unfortunate event but we must not choose to look at the negative. That night, a savior was born unto us. Unending peace and infinite joy began with a baby boy.
So, while you are at home, at a friend’s, with relatives, or even in between spots right now remember how much God loves you. Remember He came to Earth to live and die for us.
Merry Christmas y’all, and happy holidays.