Christmas - A Reason to Celebrate

At my office, when we come back from Thanksgiving, everything is decorated for Christmas.  I always enjoy seeing the front door that first day.

 Then there is the tree in the foyer. 

It's always beautiful.

My decorations at my house are pretty modest however.  I no longer put up a tree but do enjoy decorating my fireplace and hearth with a few lights and Christmas ornaments.  My original pastel donkey, "Did You Hear?", has a prominent place on the fireplace each year and then there are just a few things on the hearth.

A pair of "My Red Boots", an old crocheted dollie that I got from my mom long ago. I don't know who made them. Then there is the special reindeer from a dear friend, who is no longer with us, that I set out too.

But the real reason I enjoy this time of year, the real reason for the season, is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, my Saviour!  What a wonderful time of year! 

Merry CHRISTmas!

Luke 2 (King James Version)

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.