Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS and Blessings from our home to yours,
from Steve and Teresa and Skipper too

Candles lit one by one
Sacred moments
Put aside exterior noise and commercial trappings
Sit down to view birthday cake for Jesus
One gold candle for the One to be crowned King.

Focus as family take turns reading out loud verse by verse
Oldest to youngest join in reciting the Christmas Story – the
Birth announcement declared in Luke 2
Rest of the world, life, put on hold
Sets us back over 2,000 years ago to Bethlehem, the town of David in Judea.

The angel speaks to Mary,
Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
You will be with child and give birth to a son,
And you are to give him the name Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
The LORD God will give him the throne of his father David,
And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever;
His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:29-33)

Let these sacred words sink in
Find a place to rest, take hold, germinate, and flourish
We sing together: “Happy Birthday to You. Happy Birthday to You, dear Jesus.”
Thank you for coming to earth.
Thank you for saving my soul and saving the world.

Thoughts to ponder – think back to how it must have felt for:
Zechariah and Elizabeth
Mary and Joseph
Shepherds watch their flock by night
Simeon, the Temple priest
Anna, prophetess, who never left the temple awaiting the Savior

Emotions:
Joy, fear, doubt, and elation
Surprise, confirmation, thankfulness, and devotion
Trust, praising God in the Highest, brokenness, and pain
Amazement and relief
Just to name a few

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