In my neck of the woods the kids are out of school for the Christmas break and of course there’s a snowstorm today!! You can’t tell from the pictures but it is blowing like crazy with 75 mph wind gusts. I’m sure my kids would’ve rather it hit yesterday (their last day of school) so they could’ve had a possible snow day (one extra day off) but that wasn’t in God’s weather forecast. Actually though they enjoyed their last school day…because it was filled with treats, crafts, and…well…laziness really!
Some would say that’s what Christmas is all about — treats, crafts, lazy days…baking, presents, etc. BUT like the theme of my post last week was based on — when you take Christ out of Christmas you miss the best aspect and the absolute only reason for celebrating the Christmas season!
Today’s devotional thought: Out front of our house we have a small evergreen tree that is growing bigger and bigger all the time. I gauge how much it’s grown by how many strands of lights I wrap around it every Christmas season and it never falls short of needing and earning an extra strand each year when I decorate it. I think this year there are three or four strands wrapped around it. I could just buy an extra long set of lights but it’s just as easy to keep adding a strand each year.
This growing tree, wrapped with its many lights, reminds me of how when we ground our faith in Jesus we see His light in an exceptionally dark world. Jesus’ unchanging light grows bigger to us the more we spend time in His word, connect with Him in prayer, and share His message all for His glory.
While we draw closer to Jesus and echo His ways that radiant “Jesus-light” is reflected to others through our words and actions and the closer we grow to Him the bigger His light can shine and work through us.
Light always serves a purpose — and God’s grace in sending His Son to the earth is without a doubt the most beautiful and purpose-filled. Jesus is truly the most perfect light, ready and willing to shine His brilliance over our Christmas celebration. May God’s gift of Love and Light be the spark that illuminates our lives with joy not just at the Christmas season but every day of the year!!
Sweet ‘Christ’mas blessings to you all!!
With love,
The Witt’s
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —John 8:12
Here are some fun recipes we’ve tried over the past week! Enjoy!
Link for Gluten-free Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Link for Cowboy Cookie Recipe in a Jar
Link for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Amen! Merry Christmas!!
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Merry Christmas to you all!!
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Merry Christmas to you and the rest of your family Alicia. May your harsh winds die down. Ours are only half that and the sky is falling in little white pieces.
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Ahhh that sounds lovely!!!
Merry Christmas to you!!!
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Such a beautiful message! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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Thank you!! Merry Christmas to you also Bridget!!!
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Beautiful family 🙂
Merry Christmas little sister 🙂
Each of your children has a dog. Maybe two more? one for you and one for Nathan?
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No. More. Dogs!!!!! Just wait til you meet them one day you’ll understand!!
Merry Christmas Matt!!
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Terrific shot of the lit evergreen. Love it. Adorable pic of your clan. So glad you included the four-legged pals. Merry Christmas, Alicia.
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Haha they’re such rascals!!!….the kids and the dogs😉
Have a Merry Christmas Alan!!
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Merry Christmas to you and your family Alicia! You folks are very photogenic!
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Thank you!! And Merry Christmas to you!!!
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Beautiful daughters and handsome young man. Merry Christmas to your family of “8”! (includes the 4-legged members)
Be safe!
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Haha thank you!! Our little fur friends are pretty spoiled!!
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Merry Christmas to you!❤🌲🤗
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Merry Christmas to you and your family, Viv!! I hope you are feeling well!!!
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Love your photos and I especially love the one with your family ❤️❤️ Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family 🎊
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Thank you!!! I hope your Christmas was blessed and your New Year is filled with fresh optimism!!!
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Wishing you and your family a very blessed Christmas!
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Thank you!!!❤️
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I’m glad you had a wonderful Christmas, Alicia! Loved the family photo! 🙂
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Thank you!!
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I love the beautiful family picture! And the example of your growing tree and Jesus being the Light of the world. I hope you had a wonderful and very happy Christmas. Happy New Year to you, Alicia, and to all your family…dogs included! 🙂
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Thanks so much Patty!! Happy New Year to you also!! It’s been so awesome being able to connect with you through blogging!! ❤️❤️❤️
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“Meeting” you and your family has been awesome for me as well! 💜💜
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Alicia, I loved this line, “Jesus’ unchanging light grows bigger to us the more we spend time in His word…” What a great thing to reflect upon.
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Thank you!!! I’m a huge fan of messages about light, I just feel like they’re an easy concept to grasp!!❤️
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