I wasn’t feeling very well yesterday and really not in the Christmas spirit. Today I woke up refreshed, feeling better and reminded that the whole reason behind celebrating today is celebrating Jesus’ birthday!

I’ve been shopping and storing things for the “Christmas” since October and I managed to pack up all the stuff I bought in three suitcases to bring home with me to Atlanta. Since I’ve been commuting back and forth to NYC the Christmas season was a little different for me this year. I didn’t put up my normal Christmas tree, Christmas dish towels, nutcrackers, poinsettias or bowls of pretty decorative ornaments. I didn’t even hang the Christmas cards that were sent to me like I normally do. However, I did manage to make a donation to the homeless service project my church held last weekend and I spent the weekend before last volunteering at a Santa Store for children whose families shop at a Food Bank in North Minneapolis. In retrospect those were the best things I did all Christmas season!

I’m happy to be home in Atlanta with my mom, dad, Merlot (our family cat), Johnny, close family friends and sleeping in the room that for many years I called my room. I’m also thankful for the time that I got to spend fellowshipping with friends before I left Minneapolis. I’m reminded this morning and slightly convicted in my remembrance that Jesus is the true reason for the season.

It’s unfortunate that Christmas has become secular and people have forgotten that it’s Jesus’ birthday not a key sales period for retailers and businesses. As a Christian I believe that Jesus came to give HOPE and LOVEto a dark world. He came to spread the promises of our heavenly father and to die for our sins.

So this Christmas my friends I give you LOVE. If you don’t have the honor of spending today with loved ones. Know that God loves you and that’s why he sent Jesus so many years ago on this day.

CARPE DIEM