After Christmas

Happy New Year!

Today I helped put away the Christmas decorations at church. I also put away all the decorations at my house. Then I changed the status on my Facebook page to "Nancy has put Christmas away...'til next year."  I thought that since the Christmas season was over I needed to forget about Christmas and move on to looking ahead to the New Year.

It's always a sad time for me to put all the Christmas decorations away. But later, after I  wrapped up fragile items to pack away, took down greenery, and put away my manger scenes, I told myself that even though the decorations are gone Christmas should still be living on in my heart. The joy and happiness, the sharing and giving attitude –  the SPIRIT of Christmas – doesn't (and shouldn't) go away. The spirit of Christmas really is the love of Christ living inside me. That doesn't go away just because the season is over. 

I am going to change the status on my Facebook page from what I'd written earlier to "Nancy is keeping the spirit of Christmas inside of her even though her decorations are put away." 

I hope you can continue to keep the spirit of Christmas inside of you, as well. 

Christmas Eve

Once again I was overwhelmed at such a terrific job everyone did at the 4:00 service on Christmas Eve. I so appreciate your dedication. I suppose I should stop being amazed when you all try so hard and do such a  wonderful job during worship.  Anyway, here are some pictures taken by some fabulous photographers. Thanks to the Nobles, as always, for recording our activities; and thanks to Joe Stoecklein, who also took pictures that afternoon at church.

You can find the Noble's pictures here

And Joe Stoecklein's pictures here

Enjoy!