It's Christmas Time!

I love Christmas! It's seriously my favorite time of the year. However, this year I've struggled a bit. I am a big lover of snow and with the ground still being green, it just doesn't seem like Christmas time. But I feel like God sort of just hit me upside the head and just showed me what Christmas really is about.
Yes, the snow is awesome. Christmas parties, music, gifts and all that is great. But that's not what it's all about! I've always known the meaning of Christmas, but it gets lost a lot of the time.
Yesterday, my church had our special Christmas things. My pastor was talking a lot about how people, or things, become much more real to you when you have a need that they can meet. So true! I never realized how much I relied on having my own computer, or a car to myself, until they were gone. I took advantage of the fact that I had both of those things, so it was rough when it was gone.
Of all the things that get taken for granted, Jesus may be the greatest one of all. I've always known about Him, I've grown up hearing the stories. But until I was in a pit, in a low and lonely place, I didn't realize how much I needed Him. He didn't become real to me until the need for Him was right in front of me. Now, He's very real! He's everything!
So even if it's 50 degree's and sunny on Christmas day, if no Christmas music stations come in until next year and even if I don't get what's on my list, it will still be Christmas. It will still be a day to sit back and realize the goodness of our God. It's another day to realize how the whole Christmas story screams the love of our Father! It's a day to be filled with the joy of the Lord!
Here's a thought to leave you with. In the book of Luke, after Mary found out that she would be giving birth the  Son of God, this is what she said. She didn't spend days or weeks freaking out and saying that she couldn't do it, but she glorified God!

 ⁴⁶ And Mary said:

   “My soul glorifies the Lord 

 ⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 

⁴⁸ for he has been mindful 

   of the humble state of his servant. 

From now on all generations will call me blessed, 

 ⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me— 

   holy is his name. 

⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him, 

   from generation to generation. 

⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; 

   he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 

⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones 

   but has lifted up the humble. 

⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things 

   but has sent the rich away empty. 

⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel, 

   remembering to be merciful 

⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever, 

   just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1: 46-55