After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” -Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)

I haven’t really posted anything in the past several days (except for an important Bible verse on Thanksgiving Day). There, I’ve just stated the obvious. The past few days have been filled with little holiday-related projects, the bulk of which is Christmas preparation. Christmas is big in our house and involves a lot of decorating (inside and out) and also getting ready for our annual party. Every year we say we’re not going to do it, or we’ll “scale it down,” but every year we manage [somehow] to pull it off. There was one year when we lived in a small apartment that we didn’t do it, but otherwise it has been a tradition for the past several years. To me it is important– as it is not just a time of fellowship, but also another reminder of the importance of the season and the honor and gratitude owed to God our Father who sent His Son for us and the Holy Spirit our Comforter.

This has been a difficult year for us, mostly because of what my wife is going through as a result of an injury sustained at work. She has been pretty much out of work for this past year as we struggle with her recovery from an injury sustained at her place of employment. Aside from physical pain, the struggle has involved trying to keep a good attitude with anger and bitterness could so easily creep in. The future has question marks in terms of her health, career and our financial situation. That is where faith (as always) comes in handy! When I look around the world at the issues people deal with daily (many just happy to survive another day) and realize how millions might want to trade their problems for mine, it is hard not to feel immensely grateful for all that God has given me and much of what he has taken away. The Bible instructs me to give thanks in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Please note that God’s Word quite specifically says to be thankful for everything, not just what I deem to be praiseworthy. When I remember that and act on that instruction, all of a sudden, I can see a star shining in the night…