christmas time is here

well.
we are no longer teetering on the fence, waiting to land on the side of Christmas season in full force. it is now HERE. WHEEEE.

it's weird how i anticipate this season every year, how quickly it comes, and how abruptly it always ends. there's always a battle within, reminding me not to anticipate it for reasons like good feelings. but for reasons like, Emmanuel, God with us, came to US. a beautiful proving of His love. i get emotional as i sit here and think how precious it is to have a Savior whose blood covers all sin. past, present, future. He was, is, and is to come. how glorious a hope i have in my Father. His mercy has made me free. my soul is secure and hidden in Him alone. He is the only certain thing.

as i finished my last online purchase today, and i've been crossing off my gift list, i feel Jesus saying, "slow down, yet again. i am the author and perfecter of your faith. the one who creates seasons, feelings, delightful things, joyous moments. i am the most sensational of all things you could ever know or have. enjoy me. i never end. i never end. i never leave."

during this next week, may you delight in the ONE who created you, created this earth, its joys, its sorrows, and its hopes. all for His sake. for His glory.