Saturday, December 22, 2007

The Reason for the Season

NOW in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."

So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:1-21, NASB

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Christmas Tree

You Should Have a Blue Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays represent a time of calm, understanding, and peace.
You avoid family fights, and you don't get too stressed out - even when things are crazy!

You like to make Christmas about making everyone's life a little bit better.
You don't get caught up in greed or commercialism. You're too sincere for that.

Your blue tree would look great with: Lots of silver tinsel

You should spend Christmas Eve watching: It's a Wonderful Life

What you should bake for Santa: Chocolate chip cookies

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Oh My Goodness

I just realized that I haven't blogged in a long time! Time has just flown by recently. Let's see, I guess I have a lot of ground to cover. November was marked by Payton standing on his own for the first time. He just thinks he is the coolest now. My parents were down at the beginning of the month for a few days. We did lots of shopping! We went to Rockford for Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time. Thanksgiving was at Jonathan's aunt and uncle's house. There were so many kids running around. Payton played with Eli and tried to play with Anna. It was pretty funny to watch. Payton also got his first hair cut from Max Hafeli in Rockford. My big boy! December got off to a rough start. Payton and I both have been sick, back and forth to the doctor. I am actually going back to the doctor tomorrow. This cough just seems to be kicking my butt. Payton took his first steps this month and is getting a top tooth in as we speak. Jonathan finished his fall semester with terrific grades, once again. He will be graduating in May with his MBA! Can't wait until he is done! He will be traveling two days a week to San Marcos for his classes next semester, so he will be gone even more! We are seeing to light at the end of the tunnel though. Well, I think that pretty much covers our lives. We will be flying to Idaho for Christmas. Pray that we make it okay and that Payton doesn't fuss too much.