Christmas Decor that includes a tree, presents, train, Santa and sleigh, fireplace and a sign that says "Have yourself a Merry little Christmas" — Blessed to be able to enjoy my view while writing my article, and feeling thankful that God chose me first, and sent the best Christmas gift ever given… Jesus! ~ Photo courtesy of the author!

Christmas is almost here, and it truly is my favorite time of the year! From the moment the decorating begins, there’s a magic in the air for me. I love bringing out the storage boxes that are filled with decor, and beautiful items collected throughout the years. Precious memories flood my mind, as I pull things out, day by day, and joy fills my heart. My home transforms into a Christmas wonderland of sorts, and I can’t help but smile! It’s a lot of work, but no matter how tiring, the reward is worth the effort. As I prepare, it’s also with a heart full of excitement and anticipation because I’ll soon be spending time with family and friends. But, never do I ever, forget that it is also a time to reflect on, and celebrate, the birth of Jesus. ~ God chose me first, as He created me; and long before I ever knew I needed a Savior. Then, He made a way for me to know Jesus… and those are the best Christmas gifts ever given!

Many gifts will be wrapped in pretty paper and placed under the tree this year, but the one that my heart is most grateful for, isn’t found beneath the tree. Instead, it is found in my relationship with Jesus, and knowing that long before I ever even knew the truth of His great love for me, God loved me and God chose me first!

Coffee mug with slogan: my cup runneth over and Christmas decor that includes a Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus statue. — “My Cup Runneth Over” is the perfect description for the feelings in my heart this Christmas! ~ Photo courtesy of the author.

God’s Amazing Love Overwhelms Me

I have several little signs that I display around the house with the slogan that says, “This Girl Loves Christmas!” I guess you can say that I am comfortable with proclaiming that I love Christmas, and anyone who really knows me, knows it’s true.

This train of thought brought to mind a few Bible verses about God’s love for me. It’s somewhat overwhelming to realize that God proclaims things in His Word, in the same way that I display those signs that I have for all to see. I take great comfort in knowing that the same God who created the universe, thought it was important enough to put into words, His great love for me, and you, right there in the Bible! Clearly it’s for all to see!

Take a minute to let that thought sink in. I can’t speak for you, but as for me… my first reaction is still to ask myself, “How can it be true? How is it possible that God loves me that much?” It seems unnatural, or even impossible, that He loves me that much, without any of my efforts to earn it, or deserve it! Maybe you feel that way too?

God Reveals His Love for Us Throughout Scripture

Here are just a few Bible verses that confirm God’s love and faithfulness to all of us:

^“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” Ephesians 1:4 NLT
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last…” John 15:16 NIV
“God chose him as your ransom long before the world began…” 1 Peter 20 NLT

All of these verses are irrefutable evidence of God’s tremendous gift to each of us, which is Jesus. There’s a whole treasure-trove of verses in the Bible that we can lean on and proclaim!

God gifted us with Jesus, love, grace, mercy, and redemption of sins. And what’s more? He did it all before we ever drew our first breath. He made a way, before we knew we needed one!

Hit the Pause Button for a Moment

Do me a favor, please? Stop what you are doing, and let these words seep into your heart. If you found this post, you aren’t seeing it by mistake! God chose you! He appointed this moment in time for you to know He loves you, and He sent Jesus to ransom you, and pay the price for your sins. There is no greater love, or gift. Wouldn’t you agree?!

Bible open to the Christmas story with Christmas lights in the background. — Luke 2:1-21 shares the birth of Jesus. Read it for yourself this Christmas. ~ Photo courtesy of https://unsplash.com/@wisconsinpictures

Christmas Memories Bring Joy, and Oftentimes a Little Sadness Too

Let’s call this, “confession time.” Because I wouldn’t be totally honest if wrote a story, and didn’t admit, that there are times when all my excitement can rapidly melt into a sea of tears, at a moment’s notice. And while it’s true that memories can bring laughter, and smiles, and have me giddy with expectations of good things to come, there’s also another part of the equation that’s quite opposite.

Oftentimes, the simplest of things, can shift my perspective and bring up thoughts of loved ones who are no longer celebrating the season alongside me. The sadness engulfs me suddenly, as I long for one more chance to be with them, and laugh with them, or hug them and tell them I love them. My emotions get the better of me, and the tears fall. Sadly, I’m certain that many of you can relate!

Daddy and me photo taken in front of the Christmas tree. — My Daddy is just one of the people I miss at Christmas. He passed in December 2018. I miss him a lot! “Love You Forever Daddy!” ` Photo courtesy of the author.

Christmas Carries Both Joy and Longing, Often Side by Side, for Many of Us

My prayer is that as we celebrate, we may also feel comfort as we carry the weight of missing those someone’s we love. Even here, in the hard tunes, God meets us with hope. He chooses us, holds us, and reminds us that love does not end with loss.

The fact that Jesus came to us, means we have hope for eternity and in seeing those we love again. Our hearts can rest in the promise that every tear is seen and every sorrow is held. We are not alone in this journey, and our heart’s desire should be in sharing Jesus with every person we meet, and with every opportunity we are given.

Jesus is the greatest gift, and it’s up to us to share Him with the world! We are to be His hands and feet; a light to the world; and at Christmas especially!

Unsolicited Advice This Christmas, From Me to You

Let me end this column by giving you a little unsolicited advice this Christmas: Grab those photos, say those “I loves you,” and make those special moments that you and your loved ones can treasure!

One day, it will be too late, so don’t wait!

Take the time to enjoy the moments that may never come again.

Remind yourself that every single day is God’s gift, and be sure to use them wisely. Take it all in while you can, and never forget God chose you first.

May God bless you and your family and use my words to remind you of the greatest gift of all this season!

Merry Christmas from My Family to Yours!

A picture with my children, smiling and happy to gather together. — This is a picture with my children, and I am choosing to capture the moments that are getting fewer and farther between, so that I can treasure them forever! Maybe one day, they will too! ~ Photo courtesy of the author.

Family photo with children, grands and spouses. — Our family has certainly grown through the years! I feel so Blessed! ~ photo courtesy of the author.

Here’s a link to my Amazon author page where you can pick up a couple of books that are best sellers! I was blessed to be an author contributor, and trust me when I say and you’ll find stories of God’s love, grace, mercy, redemption, and so much more.

Here’s a link to another Christmas post I wrote in 2024.

And here’s one from 2023.

Check them out! or read through some of my other columns if you have time! I appreciate your support!

I’d love for you to sign up for emails through Patheos, or reach out to me directly and I will send my articles straight to your email when I make a post! My email is [email protected].