Through all the hustle of the Christmas season, let us not forget why we celebrate it in the first place. It isn't about the gifts we get, the food we eat, or the places we get to go to... it is in celebration of our Savior's birth. God bless you all this Christmas Eve, and I hope everyone has a wonderful day with their loved ones.

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Luke 2:1-20 (KJV)

¹And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

²(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

³And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

⁵To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

⁶And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

¹⁵And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

¹⁶And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

¹⁷And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

¹⁸And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

¹⁹But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Cuddle time...

One of Jake's new favorite things to do on my days off is cuddle. This all takes place just after he wakes up in the morning. He used to NEVER cuddle in the morning. When he was up, he was UP and going full force. However, lately when he wakes up, I take him from his crib and then he lies with me in bed for another good 10-20 minutes.

He will not lie next to me. He does not like to be just beside me.

He has touching me in some way, with his hand, his little toes, or with his head on my chest. Its melts my heart.

I am relishing this while it lasts, because I know that before too long, he will go back to being a

crazy, rambunctious toddler who will do what he wants, when he wants, how he wants, and lying with me for that time will not be an option to him anymore. Then, before I can blink, he will be in kindergarten. Then another blink and he is in high school. *gulp*

So for now, I will take the time to enjoy the little moments with him before (even if it makes me late for his doctors appointment that I thought was at 10:00am but was at 9:30am. Oops...)