Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful that my sister Donna and her family are coming for Christmas.  I feel very blessed to be able to spend the holidays with family AND from the comfort of my own home.  Yay!  Last time she was here it was for this:

I am also so very thankful for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ - and the reason we celebrate this holiday.  I often think what it would have felt like to be Mary during this time so long ago.  Heavy, burdened with pregnancy.  Tired and sore from traveling so long only to find the only rest you can get is in a humble stable.  To think that this is the best start you can offer your baby son, the Lord and Savior of the world.  I think about those first few moments when you hold your new baby and you feel so much love that baby and you feel the love of God in your life so purely.  I think about the few moments of joy she felt intensified by the knowledge of who this little child was in her arms - his mission and purpose on the earth.  I think about what a humble and loving man Joseph must have been to accept his wife's calling from God.  To hold and comfort and love this child.  What worries he must have felt for being able to provide only the lowest of accommodations for his poor, tired wife who was caring the Lamb of God.  Merry Christmas everyone - and may the love of God bless your lives during the holidays.