glad tidings of joy

It is nearly Christmas morning and I'm nestled up with my family in Las Vegas. I arrived here today and it was a joy to be with ALL of the family this evening. The kids even got a visit from Santa - which Ty just kept repeating "hohoho"...it was so cute! They're so fun to watch at their ages.

I remember Santa sightings when I was smaller and I can also remember thinking upon the subject of whether he was real or not. I recall employing some form of reasoning - but I never did come to a final conclusion in any one moment. Which makes me realize that ambiquity-of-sorts was comfortable with me then as it is with me now. I ponder many a thing but rarely make final conclusions...thereby remaining in a somewhat fluid state. Hmmm...analyze that if you like :)

A few years ago I read a sermon during advent time that I really liked, that talked about viewing things from a different perspective...and I think that's been quite a theme for me lately now that I think of it. The sermon was talking about what a surprise the Magi actually were and how very odd/weird it was that they were there for the birth of Christ (in contrast to our normalized view of them in manger scenes.) I'd been thinking about that this Christmas-time and then in church this Sunday got another "perspective" of the birth of Christ...that of the angels. Luke 2:13 reads, "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." It must have been quite a view to the angels, well acquainted with God's holiness, upon seeing God take humanity unto himself. "On whom his favor rests"...here we are this being far below the angels, but who for some reason, God loves more then any words can describe. If I were an angel watching the interaction between God and man - I think I might be rather confused. Man continually screws up and God continually tries to love Man.

And that makes me really thankful. I'm thankful that God loves me that much. I'm thankful that I have a family that loves me very much. I'm thankful that all of my needs are met. I'm thankful to be passionate about something. I'm thankful to have health, life, optimism, intellect, motivation. I'm thankful that God reveals things to us only as we are ready for them. I'm thankful for the way love knits things together.

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I promised pictures of the Stude...so here she is!!! I had a fantastic Saturday at the shop: hanging out, cutting out the upholstery (I was a bit scared to do this...but I'm feeling much more hopeful now!) (p.s. AND Bill, the shop's owner saw the windlace I'd covered to use for my car and liked it so much he is using it for another car they have in the shop - just a little thing, but something I made is going in another person's car!!), having breakfast with and showing off my car to my friend James, basking in the sun for an afternoon nap, and overall just getting giddy about the car being closer to done!

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O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born; O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, His power and glory ever more proclaim! His power and glory ever more proclaim!