It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

And it better, with under 3 days left. It has been crazy, though, and hasn't felt much like Christmas to me. Busy end of the semester, coming home and working nearly full time, few presents under the tree, no stockings, and no advent at church (we just don't have the resources). But now cookies and treats are finally being made, our first big snow has arrived, and the stores are busy with last minute shoppers. Yet I guess that main reason it doesn't feel like Christmas is that all these things are surrounding me and I have little time to think about what this time really means. Sunday is about the only time it seems that I get to hear about Jesus and His coming to earth. I hope things will slow down enough for me to stop and think about why we have this holiday and remember again the amazing gift that God has given.
Speaking of gifts, I was realizing how I wish we were more like hobbits, who give gifts on their birthdays instead of receive them. Why? Because we are so into getting things for our birthday and the only time that the "birthday boy" gave a gift, we overlook it and give each other gifts. I wonder if hobbits would better understand the true meaning of Christmas
Anyway, as it comes closer to Christmas, take a moment and receive one more gift; even if it has been opened and accepted, it can still be used and "played with" and known all over again. Merry Christmas!