Christmas 2010

It has been a truly blessed celebration of our Savior's birth the past few weeks. We began the festivities with our church Christmas play last week. James played the part of Joseph, Mary's betrothed.

I doubt it was an issue when Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem on that Holy night years ago, but this Mary and Joseph are fans of opposing football teams. Sweet "Mary" is a Steelers fan and "Joseph" cheers for the Browns! They put their differences aside for the sake of the message, and both did a lovely job playing the role of our Savior's earthly parents.

Then, on Christmas Eve, we enjoyed a lovely time with our church family. It was a quiet, gentle celebration as Tim played his guitar and we lifted our voices to sing Christmas hymns. A message of hope and truth was delivered, the scriptures telling the amazing story of our King's humble birth in a lowly stable to a peasant couple while the good news was delivered to some shepherds watching their silent flock by night were read, and the candles were lit. The people joined in a circle, and by the light of the candles alone, Tim strummed his guitar and I lifted my voice to sing Silent Night as the voices of the congregation blended along in sweet harmony. I closed my eyes and allowed the music to lift me to a place at my Savior's feet, thankful for the voices surrounding me, thankful for the beauty of the night, and thankful that Jesus came for me...for us.

We followed up the church service with a Christmas celebration at my mother-in-law's house. There was much laughter, yummy food, and a plethora of presents as we enjoyed the fellowship of one another.

Yay! I am now the proud owner of a Bernie Kosar jersey!! The Browns never seem to hold on to the players that I fall in love with, and I'm growing weary of buying a new jersey every year (not to mention the fact that they are expensive!!). So, it seemed a better choice to pick a player who used to play for the Browns back in the day. I chose Bernie Kosar since he was the quarter back in the 80's when I first started watching my beloved Brownies.

We read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

There may or may not have been a kiss under the mistletoe...

With this guy...

Received a Browns Snuggie from Timothy...

Laughed hysterically with these beautiful people...

                                                                  Adored this sight...

                               Soaked in the sweet bliss of this moment with sweet baby Max...

It was a Marathon of Christmas celebrations indeed....a beautiful, laughter-filled marathon. So grateful and hoping you had some times of joy and sweet reflection this Christmas, as well. I have much on my heart for the coming year, and look forward to the next step on this adventure....

Blessings to all...