HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM!!!

I Love You!

-Sammi

Christmas Blessings

William and I enjoyed our First Christmas as a married couple, it was filled with joy, love and the blessings of Christ.

We exchanged our gifts a few days early, then headed to DFW Thursday night. We got to attend service at Crossroads and see many of our friends. Christmas day was spent at William's mom's house with his side of the family. I am very blessed to have such a wonder, loving family of in-laws. They are supportive and genuine, I love and appreciate them more than they know. The day after Christmas we spent with most of my sisters. I didn't get to see everyone, but I'm so grateful for the time I had with those I saw. I was overwhelmed by the many gifts and thoughts from our friends and families. It is so nice to know that people are thinking of us, even when we're so far away.

There is just one thing I have been pondering...For weeks I kept hearing, "Christmas is about giving!" It's entirely accurate, but I wonder if most of the people who say it are referring to the true reason why we celebrate giving at Christmas. I'm sure most everyone's first thoughts about giving are of presents to loved ones or to charity, but the most precious gift is sometimes forgotten. It is the gift of Christ from God to us, and Christ giving himself for us. It's not that I don't appreciate the gifts, or even that I think we should do away with giving them. It's just that I think we get wrapped up in the spoils and fanfare of the Holiday's. We fail to realize and give thanks for the one gift that will never pass away, the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is not something that was earned, but given freely out of pure love, all we had to do was receive it. For those of you who have already accepted this gift, please always remember it, and for those of you who haven't, Christ welcomes you to receive it.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. "