Bringing this back from a couple of years ago.  My how fast time goes by……….

Much can be learned by taking a look at the people in the Christmas story – take the 3 wise men for instance. Matthew 2:1–2:

Three guys made their way to a stable where animals were kept.  They left their kingdoms to search for the king of kings that was born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling cloth.  They made their way past King Herod and trusted in a star to get them to their destination.  They walked in faith and experienced amazing joy.  They gave their best.

The older I get the more I want my Christmas season to have the elements the wise men exhibit.  I don’t enjoy the hustle and bustle of the shopping malls.  I don’t need to know if I picked up the best item for someone.  Don’t get me wrong I put love and thought in my gifts but I’ve found it is easy to overspend the more I’m out and about.  I want to have more moments at home reading, studying, sipping a hot drink and enjoying my Christmas tree.  I want to  leave what the world tells me is important and invest my time in gifts that give long after December 25th is over.  

My mom handed down the manger display we had as children.  It’s not an expensive set monetarily but it is one of my favorite Christmas items to place on my coffee table.  When my 18-month-old grandson came to the house a few days ago and picked up the cow and I began to tell him about Christmas and the baby.  My heart was touched when he picked up baby Jesus and kissed him.  Now that is a Christmas moment.

So here’s to leaving the busyness of the season and searching for the babe in the manager, of not missing the joy and  bringing our best which has nothing to do with the amount of gifts under the tree.  Each time we have time with a loved one or do something kind for another we are blessed.  Maybe I’m on my way to becoming a wise woman 🙂

Here is an easy almond cookie recipe to make for the holidays – you can switch up the sprinkle with holiday colors.  HERE