Heart Choices: The Blessings of the Christmas Season -->

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The Blessings of the Christmas Season


It was the first Sunday of Advent.  As we gathered together to worship at my home church, the first candle was lit; the candle of prophesy.  Pastor Dan read from the Bible.

Isaiah 9:6

21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

How amazing is that?  The Messiah, the Promised One would be born.  And He was born.  We celebrate that day each year.

"It is nearly unbelievable -- the wonder of the Advent of the Promised One, longed for through generations, now arriving in the context of human history.  This Christmas season, be sure not to lose the wonder of the Wonderful by getting mired in the mundane."  ~ Pursuing the Christ, Prayers for Christmastime by Jennifer Kennedy Dean

I purchased this small Kindle book by Jennifer Kennedy Dean for $.99.  It's a great deal and the short chapters help to keep me focused on the true meaning of this Christmas season.

And the little ones ...

This time of year is a wonderful time to be working in a school environment.  The children are so excited.  We decorated our classroom.  A small Christmas tree sits in the corner and the little three year olds get to decorate it again each morning.  It's not a Christian school but I have to admit that I pray for each one of these precious little ones. :)

We had a special visitor to our classroom this week.  Firefighter Mike gave a talk to the children.  He wanted them to see firefighters as their friend so they wouldn't be afraid.  The kids got to try on the mask and hat and even his boots.  They loved it!


Firefighter Mike was actually Heidi's dad.  He is so good with the kids.


They giggled as they tried on the pieces of equipment.  I was amazed how well they sat and listened intently.

My three year old personal trainer Sam is keeping me on track with my exercise.  He is too funny!  As I was leaving school on Friday, he called out to me.  "Miss Debbie, did you do your exercise?"

I laughed because I can't disappoint him and I have to be honest. So instead of going on the bike that stays still, I hop on my treadmill.  I told him it's a machine that let's me run but I go no place.  I think he understood.  And he added "Miss Debbie, I love you."  My heart melted and I smiled.  Thank you Lord for these little ones.

#612 Celebrating the first Advent Sunday
#613 Getting into the Christmas spirit
#614 Spending time in the Word each morning
#615 Coming home each day to the sound of Christmas music, candles lit and tree lights on
#616 A husband who tries to make our home extra special this time of year
#617 Celebrating my mother-in-law's 88th birthday
#618 Co-workers who are such fun
#619 Seeing the delight in the children's eyes as they listened to firefighter Mike
#620 Decorations for the Christmas season
#621 Peppermint mocha at Starbucks
#622 Beautiful weather in Phoenix
#623 Looking forward to a visit with my friends from San Antonio
#624 Watching Kirk Cameron in "Monumental"; a must see documentary

Keep on counting those every day blessings.  I can guarantee it will change your perspective.




Blessings and love,


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Debbie Petras
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8 comments:

  1. I enjoyed this post very much. What a great reminder to keep it alive in our hearts what the true meaning of Christmas is!!! It's all about our Lord. And in each day that passes by.

    I got to smile when you mentioned "Sam"...What a friend you have in him! Who is honest to remind you in keeping you focused, too of that goal: To be healthy!!! I agree...You better not disappoint him! Sweet kid!

    How fun that the kids learned things from the "fireman". Though where you work is not a Christian school, I know the Lord loves them all and they are dear to His heart. May they come to know the "fire proof" protection only Jesus offers when they come to that age where they understand they need to make that choice.

    Blessings to you sister and may the Lord bless you and keep you!

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  2. Hi Debbie
    My Mom used to be a pre-primary school teacher and I often helped her out, especially as the time for Xmas concerts arrived and when she had to interview the parents of the following year. That truly was some of the most precious times of my life. I am a firm believer that heaven is crowded with little ones. Oh, I love children and cannot wait to become a Grandmother!!
    Bless you and fireman Mike
    Mia

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  3. Good morning! i love that verse in Isiah! I bet the kids just loved that firefighter day...the more "hands on" the better, haha. Enjoy your week Deb!

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  4. A beautiful season to be surrounded by the joy and wonder of a child!

    peace~elaine

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  5. I just finished riding 'my bike that goes nowehere', and I thought of Sam, and you, and lifted up a prayer for both of you. I'm thankful this morning for your list... it always spurs my own thinking onto special things to thank God for, which are all around me.

    Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Counting blessings is a blessing in itself.
    I know from experience, how important it is to focus on the Lord's eternal love.
    How nice that you are allowed to have a Christmas tree i preschool. You can "smuggle" in Christian symbols like hearts, stars and bulbs, lights and chains.
    I know you are there for a reason. Maybe you are the only one praying for the children. A prayerchild is followed all its life, because prayers don't expire on date. I have a prayerchild aged 82. We have seen wonderful things happen these years, little by little.
    For now we will celebrate the joy of advent. A Son is us given.
    Have you read Leo Tolstoy's story about the Cobbler who wanted to see Jesus? I'm sure you can find it via google. It's one of my favorite Christmas stories.
    I wish you more blessings every day till your cup flows over.

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  7. I can imagine the excitement of those kiddos you get to see every day. I teach Sunday School (preschool) a couple of times a month and they are about to explode with excitement for Christmas. Praying you're having a beautiful Advent!

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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