Woke up in the wee hours of 2021 already tired and a little grieved. I got up, made my coffee and sat at the foot of our very dry Christmas tree that was still standing in my living room. I’ve been so distracted. Haven’t we all lately?

Mary’s and Joseph’s obedience saved His life from Herod and fulfilled a prophecy. Our obedience can save our lives and fulfill God’s plans. Where your journey leads depends on giving God the gift of obedience.

Now that I’ve seen Him, I’m eternally convinced that our first Christmas gift, laid in the Bethlehem manger, was the greatest gift ever given!

Brothers and sisters, the day is drawing near when we will stand before the Savior of our souls and gaze upon His radiant beauty as our hearts are filled with complete awe and wonder. We will exchange the trials and tribulations of our past for infinite joy. There will be no more tears or pain, only thanksgiving and praise. As our Father prepares a place for us, may we prayerfully and expectantly wait for the moment He says, “It’s time!”

As a child I remember thinking that Christmas was the slowest holiday of the year to arrive. The months seemed to drag as they got closer to December. Mother would tell me, “Camille, someday the months will fly by.”

With a lot of wisdom, Booth Tarkington said, “Cherish all your happy moments. They make a fine cushion for old age.” In the past few days I’ve been relishing some Christmas memories through my collection of decorations, and that brings up another Christmas memory – a new one.

Christmas is a day to celebrate. A season filled with tradition and joy. But. . .how do we cope when we don’t feel like celebrating? How do we enjoy traditions when it feels like all our traditions have shifted?

“I’m NOT ready!” I felt like shouting it Sunday morning when I flipped the page on my daily calendar. There was the final day of November glaring at me – reminding me of all I needed to do. November 30 – how I wished for a November 31, but it wouldn’t happen.