Unwrapping Christmas

It's hard to believe it's that time of year already, but ready or not here it is!  Bonnie over at Faith Barista has kicked off a Thursday jam today and the topic is 'your hopes for Christmas' this year.

I can honestly say that my hope for Christmas this year is rediscovery.  Rediscovery is defined as:
the act, process, or an instance of discovering (something) again.  I love that.  Discovering something again...what is your something this year?

I want to rediscover the basic's of Christmas.  The real meaning we even celebrate the holiday...JESUS.  It is His birth into this world and His eventual redemption of a people for Himself that is celebrated.  Without the birth there would have been no death...no cross...no hope for me or you.

I want to rediscover the innocence of a child's smile when they see the first grand display of Christmas lights.  I want to see their happiness when we drive through the local 'live' nativity scenes.  To see what they have gotten under the Christmas tree...

I want to rediscover the Christmas story through the eyes of a child.  The wonder of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus being born with the animals.  The wise men that came from far away to visit.  The shepherds that came running...

Take a step back this year before your Christmas gets too hectic and filled with parties and events to really see what Christmas is all about.  Share the real meaning of the holiday with someone else.  Share it with your children.  Don't leave Christ out of Christmas...make Him the center of it as He deserves to be!

'While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.'  Luke 2:6-7