Christmas blessings

It is 10:30pm on Christmas Eve.
Chris went to bed early and is softly snoring in the other room. She deserves a good night's rest and I hope that she gets it.

I have always said that for some unknown reason, I have found favor in the eyes of my God.
You may have heard me say that God loves you, but I'm his favorite. And I believe it.

I know that life is filled with trials and sorrows. I have faced few. My parents are aging, but still living. My siblings and their families are also making it through life's struggles. All  of my nieces and nephews are growing into fine young women and men and I am so proud of my own kids and the mates they have chosen.

I am reminded that even favored and blessed men must face the realities of life from time to time. In this world, there are many trials and troubles, but my Lord has overcome the world and has provided us with eternal life in the life that follows this brief earthly stay.
While age catches up to all of us, I know that most of my maladies are pretty much self inflicted. I need to take better care of the one and only body that I have been given. Better decisions and fewer indulgences would go a long way to better health for the long haul.

Our Christmas celebration this year is rather simple. I like it this way. I'll share a little more about our gift giving choices after Aaron and Jenny make it home next weekend. We exchanged gifts with Hannah and Daniel earlier tonight and Chris and I broke with tradition and exchanged our gifts on Christmas eve, as well.

Tomorrow morning will be quiet and simple; some stocking stuffers (minus the stockings this year) and a nice breakfast. We will have an afternoon meal with friends. Due to circumstances, we will miss the morning church service, but we will not miss the celebration of the birth of our Savior.
It happened long ago and was simple in its manner.
A simple man, a young woman, a small village, a newborn baby...
...that would change the world.

God loves you.
This Jesus that was born on that night long ago, died for you.
You, too, are favored by God.
Believe and live!

Merry Christmas from a favored child of God <><