Here comes Christmas...like a locomotive.

Its' official! My son's football season has come to an end. We just returned from the National Pigskin Classic in Las Vegas, NV, which is where we spent Thanksgiving. I know its hard to believe, but I really realized just how much I enjoy my family while we walked down the Las Vegas Blvd. The kid's faces as we walked into the M&M store...my wife's face as she saw dark chocolate M&M's was priceless. That was when we turned the corner and saw it...Christmas stuff. I guess I had been so focused on finishing the season, working at the church and with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, that I borderline forgot. I know, that is horrible.

That is when I started to remember the Christmases when I was growing up. I love Christmas!!!! My youngest daughter, Katie, asked me last night when we were putting up our lights. She knows my rule...no Christmas lights up until December 1st. So, now I start the task of making sure they all work and putting them out for our neighbors and all who drive by to see. Did I mention, I love Christmas!?!

One thing I have heard all my life is this..."It is more blessed to give than it is to receive." I love to receive gifts...but I actually love watching people's faces light up when there is a gift for them. One of the greatest gifts I know of is the gift of salvation. I love to see people's faces light up when they actually understand and the light goes off that Christ gave them this gift. It is almost like a train has hit them...and in a good way. I love to see people understand what Christ actually did for them. I love to see people when they fully understand that Christ was born to this Earth for them. He had one appointment here and that was to take away the sin of the world. I understand He performed miracles and did a lot of other things and I don't want to diminish the works Jesus did while living on Earth. However, his purpose was for you and me. He came to die. Now if that doesn't hit you like a locomotive, I don't know what will. I love Christmas because it reminds me that Christ died for me...and for you. Merry Christmas and may the love of Christ consume you during this holiday season.