Today was just an all around good day.

Last night the negative emotions of the past year's disappointments came flooding in all around me as we were at the Christmas Eve service. It is so easy to allow yourself to look at a room full of families with children and become angry and bitter that lying in your arms is not a baby. Especially at Christmastime.

But I've learned I cannot allow myself to think that way. But still those thoughts, those attitudes, creep in. And really, they are all lies and distractions that try to get my focus on the wrong things.

And I say now that it is only by the grace and joy given to me through Christ that I was able to pull myself quickly out of the "funk" and enjoy, truly enjoy, everything about this Christmas.

As I wrote yesterday, the angels proclaimed good news of great joy.

I can think of many times this year when I received news that was anything but good. However, the news that was proclaimed to the shepherds long ago in Bethlehem is my good news of great joy! It is your good news of great joy!

A Savior was born and he is Christ the Lord!

Because that baby boy was born in a stable in Bethlehem, I have joy. You have joy. We have joy. In spite of our circumstances.

Joy to the World, the Lord has come!

Later today (after getting some sleep since it's really late) I will write a post about Christmas at Dave's parents!

Also, two couples in our small group at church received Christmas Miracles and I'd like to share their stories!

But for now ... Goodnight!

- Elaine