Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, Christmas is just around the corner! Friend, Linda, shared that when she was young, she'd been told to hide Your Word in her heart, Lord, mentioning how she loved Hebrews 2:1; "We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."  She added that we're to be alert and attentive in all areas of our life, especially spiritually.

Linda then shared what she remembered about what had happened quite some time ago, how a new mom, Mary, had tears pouring down her cheeks as her newborn preemie, Katie, struggled for life. Two years later, Mary's healthy little girl, Katie, made their Christmas very special as a toddler, who was thrilled at decorations, light and music. Mary said that Katie had stared wide-eyed at the nativity set, begging to sing "Away in a Manger" with them and to hear the story of Jesus' birth, again and again.

Don't we also remember that Jesus told His disciples to become like little children, eager to experience the basis of life and faith with wonder and appreciation? As believers, we should approach the Christmas season in this same way. We need to view it afresh as if we'd not heard the narrative of Jesus' birth hundreds of times. We should take delight in this wonderful story of the birth of Jesus, as we share it, especially with children.

Linda added that she thought the Word from 2 Peter 1:12 was also very important: "So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have."

As these special thoughts flow through your mind these few days before Christmas, here's best wishes to each of you to have a wonderful and Merry Christmas, be blessed.

Love, Mara.