Alva Review-Courier -

Although I didn't expect the second special session to begin until after the holidays, the governor went ahead and called lawmakers back on Dec. 18. I am anxious take care of the state’s needs so we can move our focus to the upcoming year's need. The earlier-than-expected start to session really only presents one major problem for all involved and for citizens of Oklahoma: it becomes another distraction for the main reason of this time of year, that being Christmas and celebrating the earthly birth of God's son, Jesus.

Recently my wife and I took our children and grandchildren to see the movie "Star." Knowing we have six grandkids with the oldest being seven and the youngest being one, you know it was an adventure – from spilling popcorn to getting a leg stuck in the folding seat – but it was a great time. I was able to get all my grandkids to see the story of the birth of Jesus in a manner that was both entertaining and interesting to them. I would highly recommend this movie to any family that needs a night out and wants to keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas is just a few days away and it seems that all the activities of the holiday season sometimes drain our energy and our focus away from worshiping our savior’s birth here on earth. I encourage you to reflect on what makes December so special each year.

It’s the one month where music in stores is about hope instead of selfish desires. It’s the one month where neighborhoods come together to put on beautiful light displays. It’s the one month where we remember to send loved ones mail. It’s the one month where we come together to celebrate the birth of our Savior in huge fashion.

I cherish the Christmas season. I love the lights and the way my grandchildren light up when they see houses decorated beautifully. I love the crisp air and the magic that seems to swirl through it. But most of all, I love that we’ve designated this time to cling to the greatest hope and joy of all – Jesus Christ.

Last year, I wrote about a song performed at a children’s Christmas program that really stuck with me. It goes like this:

J is for Jesus – He should always be the first consideration in our lives.

O is for Others – God asks us to love others more than ourselves.\

Y is for You – If we accept God's leading in our lives and follow His direction, we become secondary.

My prayer continues to be that we choose to worship our true King this year, not just work our days away. I pray we strengthen our faith that gives us hope through the darkest days. I pray we cling to our Savior. I pray we make time to gather around the fire with our family and tell the story of Jesus’ birth, spreading hope and joy for everyone.

God bless and Merry Christmas.