This is Christmas

I think I may have mentioned how much I love Christmas.  I transform the house, take in all the parties, make special trips to look at lights, play endless Christmas music, bake way more cookies than my family needs to eat, and so on and on......

But the best part of Christmas for me is hearing about people being generous and blessing other people.  THAT is what the Christmas spirit really is - reflecting Christ's love by loving others.  I am a member of the Advent Conspiracy which is a group committed to making Christmas more selfless and less materialistic (go to timberview.org and click on the ROCK blog page to learn more). Recently I have been touched by the generosity of our church family to sponsor families in need.  I have gotten to be in on Whitney doing a good deed for two very deserving boys.  I have heard countless stories of extreme generosity in extreme economic conditions.  It warms my heart. 

This morning was extra heart-warming as I got to listen to the radio as my friends Kathryn and Leland were recipients of "Christmas Wish" sponsored by KZZU.  Their friend Michelle wrote a very touching letter about all the Bonnetts have been through and the station picked them to receive an abundance of gifts.  I cried through the whole thing.  It was sort of like Extreme Home Makeover on a smaller scale (that show ALWAYS makes me cry).  I had been in on the secret and it really was an incredible blessing to watch unfold.  I know it's hard and humbling to be on the receiving end of such a thing, but I can't think of anyone who deserved it more.  

We have about two more weeks to spread the love and I am already thinking of ways that we could bless others.  If you hear a story, please pass it on.  It makes my day, my week, my Christmas season!