Christmas!!

He rules the world with truth and grace

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness

And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders of His love!

~Joy to the World

Today, I am thankful for Christmas!  The birth and human life of Jesus, obviously... but also the Christmas holiday season and memories. It's the main reason I'm such a fan of winter - the feeling of cozy warmth in the midst of bitter winter cold, happy kids and beloved carols and good memories even when your'e feeling melancholy or sad, colorful trees and greenery when the trees outside are bare, and bright Christmas lights shining in the darkness every night! 

We began the Christmas decorating extravaganza this weekend. Charlene and Bill and Jill came over to help, and it was good and fun and comforting in the middle of processing some hard things. I'm decorating my house through this week and next weekend, and I'm excited for that, too!  Here are a few pics from Mom and Dad's. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Bill was awesome to climb the ladder a thousand times and get the garland just right!

Bill and Dad getting the tree put together (before Charlene and I did the ribbon).

Bill getting the base of lifts and boxes covered with fabric ready for the giant nativity!

The Jaceman hanging out on the ladder :)

T-man jumping off the big ladder out front!

Josh hanging the 72-inch wreath above the carport!!

Miss K looking through her scrapbook and being so precious I can barely stand it!

Josh and Rach hanging one of the thousand garlands Rach made! lol

Miss K sitting on Mamaw's walker and watching them work. :)

A closer look at the front door wreath by Rach!

This wreath (and another just like it) is going in the middle window.

Anyway, I know most people are waiting a couple weeks, but whenever you get to it, happy Christmas decorating!!

Truly, He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother.

And in His name, all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we

With all our hearts, we praise His holy name.

~Oh Holy Night