This time of year is always special. I love the cheerfulness of people even as they dash out to get last-minute presents or food for the family festivities they will enjoy. I love the lights, Christmas parties and parades.

Most of all, however, I love the stillness that comes late Christmas Eve or just before Christmas morning. I like to take a moment each Christmas Eve to reflect on the activities of the year and thank God for the many gifts He’s given me. His greatest gift of all, of course, was sending His Son to be born to a young virgin in the town of Bethlehem.

I’m always struck by the humbleness of our Savior’s birth. Here was the King of kings, the Lord of lords, born in a stable, wrapped in strips of cloth, placed in an animal’s feeding trough. I’m also awed by the fact that it was the lowly shepherds, out tending their flocks by night, that were the first to receive the most exciting news in the world – to us a Savior was born, to us a Messiah was given. Peace on earth and goodwill had come to man. God was showing His amazing grace and great favor to all mankind. What we could never accomplish by keeping His righteous law, He was willing to overcome through the birth, life, death and resurrection of His perfect Son. What an incomparable gift He gave us.

As you enjoy the Christmas holiday and prepare for the excitement of the New Year, I hope you will remember this most precious gift and show extra grace and kindness to those around you.

Peace and love to you and many blessings. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Please feel free to contact me. You can call me at 405-557-7339 or email me at [email protected].