Christmas-time is a special time of year.  I love the bright lights, the music, the smiles and happy greetings of Merry Christmas from strangers and friends alike. 

Love is Still Alive
By Brenda Drake

Shoe boxes are passed to underprivileged on Christmas day;
Little trinkets and small things in it arrayed.
To some seemingly so mundane; but not to them.
They oh and aw at all the things packed in.
Some have many boxes under the tree,
Packed with generous offerings from friends and family.
Although there is a moment of anticipation in each gift received;
Many times there are things we really do not need.
I find that although gift-giving is nice,
It matters not a gift is expensive in price.
It matters more who is gathered to celebrate,
With us on such a special day.
As you celebrate the Father’s gift in the birth of the Lord;
Real joy is when you personally are at peace with the One adored.
Christ means many things to many about,
But the real reason for the season the wise find out.
God is love.  He is our gift of life new.
He came to earth, born to a virgin, and died for us too,
He is the love and peace that flows inside.
As we joyfully give our gifts we prove Jesus’ love is still alive.

1 John 4:15-16
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.