Subject: CHRISTMAS FOR ME

I think I'll buy a small table size Christmas tree this year.  It has been a long time since I've had one. Christmas has been a sad time for me. I still honor the day of Jesus' birth it's not that that makes me sad.  It is the warm spirit that I miss. It is the family all being together, the table full of people. Not stuff but loved ones. As I grow older so many are gone out of my family. They are all in Heaven waiting at the gate for me to join them. It is the people that I miss.
Then there is the complete disregard so many seem to have of the fact that Christmas is the day that Christ was born to the Virgin Mary. There is not enough reverence to that fact anymore.  I was really irritated to receive a flyer declaring, 'Shop now for Black Friday, blaw blaw blaw'.   Too much shopping,knocking others around to obtain something. Most things from ad's have limited  supplies and not many are lucky enough to get one. Then there is the 'Happy Holiday's' thing for a greeting. Hey people "Merry Christmas".  The Holy Spirit has been squeezed out of Christ's birthday.  How can anyone feel The joy  and spirit of Christmas when they have rushed around since before Thanksgiving..
This should and is a very joyful time of year but Some of us have problems during the holidays and sometimes are overcome with great sadness when we remember the loved ones who are not with us. And, many people have no one to spend these times with and are besieged by loneliness. We all need caring thoughts and loving prayer right now. 
I Praise God for His Son Jesus who He sent to this earth to present me with my salvation. I love the reading of "The Christmas Story" in Luke-2: 1-14

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

No matter how many times I read or hear someone read this story I get goose bumps and joy. I need that this time of year when I slump into despair. I need it to lift me up.