One of our family’s Christmas traditions is to drive around the neighborhoods at night and ooh and aah at all the sparkly lights on houses. My husband’s favorite are the old school big colored lights while I prefer the simplicity of white lights strung on evergreens on a front lawn. Our girls just love the glam and glitz of a million different lights whether it be icicle lights, blue lights, or bright LED lights; the gaudier the better as far as they are concerned. And I was the same way when I was their age. I wanted Christmas to be about bright lights, Santa and of course, presents.
As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized like many of us, that Christmas is about celebrating what was given to us and giving to others. It’s a time to be thankful for what we have and to think about those who are experiencing tough times. Certainly with Hurricane Sandy and the recent school shooting tragedy there is a lot to pray about and lots of people to pray for.
In my personal circle of family and friends there are needs and situations to pray for as well. Friends who need jobs, guidance and funds for a college education, restored health after brain surgery and finances to cover unexpected health care costs.
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I read about one family creating a Prayer Tree, where they put pictures of the people they are praying for as ornaments on their tree. I thought that was a nice idea but could I really come up with a whole tree of prayer requests? As a few days passed friends and situations would come to my mind that needed some prayer and guess what? It didn’t matter if I couldn’t fill a tree up. I can always add a photo prayer ornament.
So here’s to a new Christmastime tradition that really means something and shines the light on what really matters in our world.
