Written by Bill Crisp
The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Going from giving thanks to all I have been blessed with over past year, to celebrating the birth of Jesus! In my mind, there is no other holiday this fulfilling.
As soon as Black Friday arrivals, I am stoked for Christmas! The candles in the windows, the outdoor lights and setting up the Christmas tree sets the stage for the days leading up to Christmas morning. As a kid, my favorite tradition on Christmas Eve, before heading to church, was to put out our milk jugs along the sidewalks in front of our house. I had to ensure to light up the walkway, so Santa knew exactly where my house was. This was something that I did with my dad each year as our time to bond on Christmas Eve. Although my parents separated when I was young, I did everything I could to ensure this tradition would continue no matter what. This Christmas will be the first Christmas in 34 years where my parents will wake up together in the same house on Christmas morning. This year, also the first time, both my mom and dad will be helping Kim, the girls, and I put out our milk jugs in from of our house! The special things that God does for us! #HeIsTheHeavenlyFather
When Christmas morning arrived, we ventured to my aunt’s house for a breakfast feast with all the family. I found myself with my cousins comparing our toys to each other’s to see who had the best Christmas. Most of the time it turned into a big tussle. In spite of light injuries, I spent the rest of my day playing with my toys and hanging out with my mom. These are the special moments that mattered the most to me, as it was just she and I enjoying our time together. #GodWorksInGreatWays
Christmas dinner was my favorite part of the day! To my Grandma and Granddaddy’s house, it would be yet another great stop on this magical day of Christmas. My granddaddy and I keeping the wood stove stoked and hot, while helping my grandma make homemade biscuits for dinner. It’s the simple things that I loved and miss every year, but deep in my heart the memories burn bright. #ContinueToTakeCareOfThem
There is only one person that could make these memories possible and He is why Christmas is so special to me! #OurFatherInHeaven #Amen
If you’ve missed any of our previous daily readings, you can find them all archived here. We hope these readings are helping you encounter God this season!