"I'm Dreaming of a Peace-Filled Christmas"

I just sat down to write a holiday blog post, and I am listening to Elvis Presley's "White Christmas".  I caught myself changing to words to "Peace-Filled Christmas"...

I'm Dreaming of a Peace-Filled Christmas. I am. 

Wow. The Lord just handed me my post topic! (I love it when that happens!)   

Unfortunately, this year's Holiday post is not going to be of the same joyful-spirit that it usually is; but I certainly hope that my words can help others out there that are hurting this Holiday season. 

You see, this year December is very different for me than any other December that I have lived.  

I have lost someone and Christmas can be a difficult time to grieve. 

My Christmas planning partner and shopping sharer from years past is not around to enjoy the season with this year. My 1st mate for attending Holiday concerts and wine tastings is not available to go with me this year and it has changed my holiday spirit dramatically.  

The biggest Christmas wish that I make, over and over, year after year, above all else, is that every human being be surrounded with love, at some point during the Christmas season. 

Baby Jesus was completely surrounded by love!  I mean, he was immediately, unconditionally loved by his mother, who did not plan nor expect the pregnancy.   He and his mother were surrounded with the love of Joseph, who accepted that he didn't have a hand in creating this baby, yet he loved Jesus just the same. Even strangers traveled to surround Jesus with love.  

I guess, if I am to be completely honest, this holiday season, I am a little envious of the immediate and unconditional love that Baby Jesus was surrounded with.  Of course the Savior of the World certainly was deserving, and the amazing miracle of Jesus birth is a story matched by none! But, don't we all need and deserve a little love? 

So, I've come to the conclusion that the best way for me to make my Holiday Season brighter, is to share my love with others!  I intend to brighten the season for others around me, and in turn spread the Love of Jesus and the Joy of Christmas to those I encounter.  

Please join me in spreading the Love of this time of year to people around you!  Fill a void for someone in need of holiday joy and make your journey to Christmas brighter too!