MERRY CHRISTMAS

Is this not one of the most beautifully crafted digital images you have ever seen? Courtesy of Simone's artisanship, of course. I have been saving it for this particular entry.

Christmas will be here in no time, and each of us in our family has been busy with various activities. Mine have centered on being sure I have all the gifts in order, no one forgotten, and the presents wrapped carefully and attractively. (And now also tending to our poochie whose eye removal was performed and has left her out of sorts and requiring a lot of care during this next two weeks.)

The kids have been busy working and helping out in whatever ways they can. Hubby is working hard. All of their spirits are soaring with the approach of Christmas. Last year, hubby and son played Silent Night together at the Christmas Eve service during Communion. There was no accompaniment and no singing during it; only the melodious sounds of their guitars quietly playing that traditional song. It was glorious. I experienced the most tremendous lump in my throat and teary eyes listening to and looking at them.

This year my daughter, husband, and another choir member will be singing Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel during the service. As much as I might want to try to contain my emotions during it, what are you willing to bet I become unglued? There is something about the music in church that stirs my soul, and hearing it performed by my family members causes an especially powerful feeling.

Our annual tradition is for the four of us to exchange our gifts to each other on Christmas Eve after church. We have done it that way for some years now, so those special gifts do not get lost in the shuffle of mountains of presents from Santa and our relatives on Christmas Day.

Santa has already given Mrs. Claus the outfit she is to wear on Christmas Eve. And, no, she is not to wear it to church. He wants her to don it later in the nite after the kids are in bed. It is quite a garment. Here is a peek at it:

Santa is a very frisky man! God love his heart...and other parts. ::grin::

I do not plan on writing in here again until Christmas Day has passed. To all of you, my best wishes for a Merry Christmas...and do not forget the Christ in Christmas.

"Christmas~that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance~ a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved." ~Augusta E. Rundel