I'm Dreaming of a Brown Christmas...

Just Like the Ones I Used to Know!

I'm afraid it's starting to look a lot like Christmas in Alabama, give or take a frozen pond or two.  And I must admit it is disappointing to have our first brown Christmas in Minnesota; I'm actually hoping for some snow!  I didn't realize how much the snow adds to the wonder of Christmas when driving around (though I do remember that it sometimes adds to the pain of driving around).  I also didn't realize how much time my children spend playing in the snow, time that is now spent inside, desperately searching for something to "do."

So far, we have been tempted to fall into complaining: the weather stinks, the kids have been sick, plans have changed, Edwin has been travelling, the Christmas tree even fell down.  But these are the moments that have been given to us for our good by a loving God.  (Reminds me of this.)  So we repent and move on, trying to glorify God in all things.  Tonight is our Children's Choir concert, and there will be no blizzard to cancel it this year.  And no blizzard for driving to the company Christmas party afterward, either!

He has given us advent, snow or no snow.  He has given us Jesus to take away our sins.  He has given us everything.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28 ESV)