GIFTS

                                    This is at Theresa and Mikie's house.

The gifts that Christmas gives to us;
Wonder of the bright star,  the inspiration and faith of Mary and Joseph, the humility of the shepherds, the wisdom of the Kings from the East,  love as Mary looks with joy at her newborn child,  joy and peace found not in a palace but in a manger.

  The gifts we give to others: our kindness, generosity, gratitude, simplicity, patience and love .

To be able to celebrate with family and remember the happy moments and memories that have filled our hearts with love and contentment is all I need. Hugs and laughter! Happy and excited voices are music to my ears.

  The magic of new birth is told by the songs of angels as heaven and earth become One.
Retelling the Story! I am reminded of the power of One. There have been many great people who over the ages have changed lives and fought for justice and peace.  I believe that Jesus became a living example for them and for each one of us.

Our neighbor helping older folks put up Christmas lights.
Shoveling snow for us.
Cathy coming over from across the street for a visit.
The smile the paper girl gives me early in the morning.
A daughter going home from work to make cookies if her power is on!
A kind word on face book.
A patient husband who can also fix things.

These are all gifts of friendship.  As I joined the ladies at the U.C.W. luncheon today I felt a warmth and a genuine caring for one another.  Stories were told of past years and it was a wonderful time of sharing.  We met in a beautiful home and remembered other years of driving through snow just  to be together.

But it is also tired overworked parents and over excited children.

 So it is happiness and sorrow, especially for those grieving a loved one, but all of it wrapped in love.

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
--Anne Frank