Merry Christmas

When I married my wonderful husband Christmas became a huge issue for us (more like me). We spent our first Christmas in Florida. To me it meant something completely different from what I was seeing. It didn't feel special at all. Perhaps my tradition where not acknowledged perhaps I was never asked to come along shopping or even out to lunch. It goes beyond that. Charity done together as a family and looking beyond the mounts of presents and food. I am not even talking about the intermediate family but the area as a whole. My husband and I where shopping for the family and 4 times in one store I was hit by a cart/cussed at/and dirty looks - not one single "Merry Christmas" was wished. Commercialism is what I am talking about. You will find this in families as well as in communities. It was a sad time for me. And then it hit me hard. It was I who expected everything to go my way and was not even thinking of Jesus Christ who was born to wash away my sins as well as the sins of the world... It took my second Christmas in Florida to figure this out. When I brought this to my husband attention he didn't pout or insult but lovingly understanding my wanting to re-group myself and my ways of expectation of what Christmas should be about. And so we decided together to cut the "Commercialism" out 100% and concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas. It's not about "oh my look at my turkey" or "look how pretty my home is for the holiday" or even how much charity work one does (because to be honest Charity is not nearly enough done in this world by one or by all).

We celebrate by continuing our growing relationship with our Lord. We re-organize and reflect our thoughts of what we could do to make us stronger and be cleaner/pure so as to when our time comes we'll come before him stating we've done our best. We shut out all the commercialism out of our lives this day - no TV, no cells, no modern nothings because it's not about our comfort it about this special man who was born just for us and their is no competition or distraction from our gratefulness.

In 2011 we hope to do the most growing in our communication with our Lord. We've prepared and prayed for guidance to do God's will not our families will. We prayed for strength to serve others in the best of our ability and to wake up knowing that it may be our last day here on earth but a step closer to embracing our true home "Heaven". To forgive ourselves for past sins and to help others feel our love for them no matter what walk of life we may encounter. We ask that all those we may have hurt to find in their hearts to forgive us. We ask that you pray for us as we will pray for you. And for all the brothers and sister we will meet in the near future to accept our love and embrace of our love for our Lord Jesus Christ and that we may pray together and guide each other through life and service. Wishing you all peace. Thanking all the military personnel who serve our country here and abroad. Wishing our families health and understanding.



"The Real Christmas"



Excitement and joy are filling the air;The lights add special decor.

We're shopping for Christmas gifts everywhere,

But are gifts what Christmas is for?



The wreaths and the trees and the parties

Aren't what we need to convey;

It's the birth of our Savior, Jesus,

The real reason for this holiday.



By Karl and Joanna Fuchs