Christmas lights!

On Saturday Ryan and I went down to the circle to see all of the lights, and participate in some Christmas festivities. Apparently we were not alone in this idea, because it was packed even though it was freezing! We stopped to get some hot chocolate at the South Bend Chocolate Shop and took a little walk.

It was exciting to see so many people out with their families bustling around. And as much as I am a sucker for lights, decorations, hot chocolate, decorating cookies, the nutcracker, our tree, Christmas music, etc... I am reminded that those things are not the point. On Christmas Day we are celebrating the birth of Jesus! The God of the universe came down and entered our world as a small baby, and suffered with us his entire life to eventually be brutally murdered and humiliated on a cross. What love that is! And while it is great to "get into the holiday spirit" and enjoy all the fun around the holidays, lets make sure to keep the right focus. I am challenged during these next couple of weeks to spend time reflecting on what a gift Jesus is, serve others, and appreciate all the blessings we have been given.