The Christmas Season of Great Joy

 

It is always amazing to stand at the pinnacle of the ending of one year, 

looking forward to the year that approaches, 

then backward at the year that was, 

and wonder at just how quickly the days passed 

that brought us to this place.  

Once a year, we have a special day set aside to remember the miraculous night over 2000 years ago when the Savior who spoke this world into existence wrapped himself into the confinements of a fleshly body, and made himself of no big fanfare or fancy attire and surroundings, but chose the setting of His birth to a young virgin and a carpenter in a lonely outcast stable where animals were the only witnesses to His birth.  The greatest birth in the entire history of the world took place in a most unassuming and simple way.  For that reason, we never want to forget the love of our Creator, who came knowing His purpose was to die, and who humbled himself to the limits, burdens, and cares of humankind, just so He would truly understand, and know our every heartache, pain, hurt, care and deepest needs. My heart rejoices to know that our precious Lord did this for me!  

And so the busy-ness of the season and all that comes with it descends upon us every year, but may we never forget Jesus, the reason for the season! 

I was so thankful that the clouds parted on December 21, when the alignment of two planets came together to possibly create the same star formation the wisemen may have seen that led them to Bethlehem 2000 years ago.  It was a cloudy day, and most people were not able to see the star in our area.  I walked right at sunset, and the skies parted, and I was able to glimpse this beautiful formation in the skies! In the picture, if you look under the "B" you can see the star.  

As I walked that night, the most incredible sunset appeared in the skies.  Truthfully, we had not even seen the skies for days, as clouds and fog had set in.  It was truly miraculous as I walked to see the skies unfold, the clouds roll back, and this magnificent sunset to preclude the Bethlehem Star.  
Did you get to see this star? 

As I watched the sunset unfold before me, I thought it might be a good opportunity to get a good picture of the dogs.  Well... you can see that didn't go so well... I had to chuckle at this picture! 
Perhaps you have a good caption for this photo? Do share, if you do!
(My dogs don't like to look at the camera, and that is really why they weren't looking at me, ha!)

There is something about this picture that just speaks of peace and tranquility to my heart.  This is of a neighbor's home viewed from the back acreage of our property.  

Another beautiful sunset... no snow! We've had no snow for several weeks, just heavy fog and frost. 

I had saved some of my pumpkins from my garden to
make Christmas pumpkin pies (my family's favorite pie!) 

Sliced pumpkins just out of the oven, which is how I cook them, before I puree them for the pie. 

I let this pie cook a little longer as the puree seemed watery, and I wanted to make sure the pie was done.  I can tell you, this pie tastes just so amazing! There is no comparison to pies made with the pie filling you get from the store.  In fact, I've heard that the pumpkin pie mix is actually mixed with other squash varieties besides pumpkin.  This is purely pumpkin puree and the flavor is so good.  I love to grow my own pumpkins just for this reason... my family's favorite pie! 

My chickens enjoying the veggie scraps from all my pie and Christmas baking! 

I made this platter of cheeses, fruits, and nuts to set out for Christmas Day
for us all to nibble on... as if we needed any more food {smiles}

What's Christmas dinner without homemade rolls? I don't know, as it has always been a tradition at our home to have fresh homemade rolls. I use a 30-minute roll recipe.  It has been a family favorite. 

Our family enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner with turkey, creamed potatoes and gravy, broccoli & cheese casserole, homemade stuffing, glazed carrots, Caesar salad, and homemade cranberry sauce.  It was a feast indeed... and we enjoyed our time together so much.  I kept the desserts simple this year - pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie.  However, I neglected to get any pictures of pecan or apple... but we enjoyed them heartily.  

As we opened our gifts shared with each other, it was wonderful to spend the time with our kids and a special gift to us this year, was the addition of a new son (in-law) to our family.  We are so thankful for Zak, and enjoyed a special day celebrating with our kids, and remembering Jesus, our Savior and Lord who has blessed us abundantly beyond measure.  

As this Christmas holiday season continues into this week with the New Year approaching, my heart is deeply grateful for all the many and rich blessings of the Lord.  I know that this year has been such a tough year for so many people, in so many different ways.  

However, when we think of blessings, we often think of good things that don't hurt or feel painful.  But when I remember our Lord's admonishment in Matthew 5 when he begins to share what blessings really mean in His kingdom... perhaps we can look at things in a different light. 

Matthew 5:1-12

1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: 

and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,  

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 

If this year has been a difficult time for you and you identify deeply with any of the "blessed" above, then perhaps you may understand that the Lord looks at the difficulties our human nature faces, and sees that the difficult things that come into our lives are used for a greater and higher purpose, which has a deeper weight of blessing in our lives than just material or earthly things.  

So let your heart be encouraged, whatever you may be facing, our Lord didn't shield himself from pain and suffering as He came to this earth in a most difficult position and circumstance.  He never hid himself from the pain of humanity but rather immersed himself in it, and He understands and knows far more of what your heart's cries are than any other.  Do not be afraid to call upon Him, turn to Him, and seek His face in the midst of the turmoil found in our world today... His peace passes understanding, and His joy is rich and full in spite of circumstances, and His greatest gift is eternal life with Him.  How grateful I am that we have such rich promises to hold onto and trust in!

I pray the peace of the Lord Jesus, and the joy of what His coming meant to this earth will bless your hearts, and sustain you today, and throughout the remainder of this year, and into the coming New Year 2021!