our tree

here is our finished product. we were so excited about putting this tree up this year. i don't know what it is about putting up a stinkin' tree, but it will just put you in the holiday spirit. my favorite part of putting up the tree is first being able to use a saw (since i don't do that very often) and the other thing is putting on the star at the end of it all. that star represents one thing to me and that is the birth of Jesus. He is the reason for this season. this last week we watched a charlie brown Christmas. that is my favorite Christmas movie. when charlie is trying to find the real meaning of Christmas and everywhere he turns there is commercialism. snoopy is drawn in by the decorating, sally (charlie's sister) wants everything under the sun and lucy tells him that he needs to be busy doing things. they all think that this is what Christmas is really all about. when charlie doesn't find happiness in any of these things, he finally has enough and shouts, "does anyone know what Christmas is all about?!!" linus steps up to the plate and tells him what it is all about. he tells the real Christ-mas story from luke 2:8-14,

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping
watch over their flock by night. And , lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And
the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of
great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the
city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto
you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.'
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good
will toward men.'"

this is the real story of Christmas. this year as you are out and in the lines and getting really annoyed with the whole thing, just remember why we celebrate Christ-mas. May be that will help you get into the holiday mood.