Now That All the Shopping Is Done I Can Concentrate on the Reason for the Season (and Everything Else!)

My husband and I arrived at Wal-Mart at about 5:00 a.m. this morning to do the lion's share of our Christmas shopping, and now, at 8:45 a.m. I'm THRILLED to say that after one more internet transaction a little later today, we'll be done - ALL DONE. We don't get much compared to most people. Some things for our kids, my godsons, and my grandson. And inexpensive token gifts for adult friends and family members. Now I can turn my attention to preparing for our new Twelve Days of Christmas tradition, and relax into enjoying the thought of God's great love for me and all the rest of mankind. This coming to earth as a baby is not, in my opinion, the best part of the story - that comes 33 years later. However, it is a sweet part - Jesus being born as all other men are born and beginning a life as an ordinary boy. What better way could God have given us to help us to relate to Him on a personal level. He knows what life is like as mortal man, because he began a mortal man's life the ordinary way and grew up just as mortal man grows up. The end of His mortal life is a little different from ours, but He was one of us...because He loves us! Thank You, Lord, for sending your Son to earth not only to fulfill the law and save us, but also to help us relate to You better. Since we are too limited to fully understand You, You brought to us a part of You that we could understand completely. I pray that my personal relationship with You will be strenthened during this season of joy and celebration. And that as I walk away with the gifts that loved ones have given me that I will always remember the greatest gift I ever received, and ever will, is the gift of Your Son being born into the world of mankind to fulfill a destiny of mercy and love. In Jesus precious name, I pray~