Favorite Time of the Year

I think I’ve told you this, but I love the holiday season.  From the week of Thanksgiving through Christmas is my favorite time of the year.  Where we live it is prime time for golfing and fishing, two of my favorite pastimes.  It is also a time when the leaves change their colors, and God paints the most beautiful picture across the landscape of the north Georgia mountains (my wife and I spent a couple of days cruising there this past weekend). 

            But it is also a bustling time of activity as we decorate, shop, attend special events, and plan for family and church gatherings.  My wife and I do several things to celebrate the season.  There are church dinners and special programs, specifically our choir cantata which will be on December 17.  We have made it a tradition to attend the Christmas show at Savannah Theatre each year.  And this year we will travel to Jacksonville to hear Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas concert.  And I haven’t talked about shopping for three granddaughters, quite an exercise for me given that I raised two sons.  I haven’t the slightest of ideas what a teenage girl wants these days. 

There is added stress at this time of year, and it can be exhausting.  But in spite of it all, I love the holiday season. Why? Because, at least with these two holidays, they help me to worship the Lord. Obviously the Christmas season reminds us that God became one of us and dwelt among us. Jesus is God in the flesh. His birth changed everything. And don’t remind me that December 25 is an unlikely date for His actual birth. I know that. Doesn’t matter. We need to celebrate it some time.

            But I must admit that Thanksgiving remains my favorite holiday. No gifts are exchanged.  A great meal is enjoyed with family.  And we give thanks. God is good.  His love endures forever. He is faithful to us.  And so, we give thanks. 

            Whatever else you do this season, remember to be thankful.