I'm [praying] for a White Christmas!

Why do I have joy this Christmas? 

Because Jesus is God with us. 

Always with us. 

Many prayers were answered this Christmas, for one, me and a few friends have been praying for two inches of snow this Christmas. A white Christmas is rare around here, despite the usual belief that of course there'd be snow here in New York and Pennsylvania in December. Yesterday there was sunshine out and it was one of those bleak days. Last night the snow began, and as we walked down Market Street it was like living in a snowglobe. We got two inches of snow. Almost exactly, maybe even a little more. 

Another prayer was that I could have my best friend with me for Christmas Eve. 

She was there alright! And it can easily be called one of the best nights of my life. Yes. It can. It surpasses all past Christmases on many levels. But mainly because I can look back and see how I've grown in the Lord and how He's been so gracious to me. I'm so excited for what the future holds...last night, anything seemed possible. 

We stayed out late, singing Christmas songs on the way home till we were simply buzzing with Christmas joy. At 12am, Christmas morning, I was walking up our snow covered lane, my cello on my back, because our car couldn't get up the hill, which requires all wheel drive. I was so glad that we had to walk up to the house Christmas morning. It was just one more magical moment of Christmas Eve. And today has also been simply grand. 

Praise God. It's a Merry Christmas. And it's not about the decorations or gifts, but about the heart. The heart that is hurting right now because their son could not live receive his Christmas wish, his two front teeth. But even in those devastated hearts, Christmas can still be celebrated. Why? Because Christmas is about Jesus, God with us. And it's during horrid massacres and sorrows that Christ's presence is most felt. For without Him, we would not be able to celebrate anything. Christmas isn't about the happiness that comes from what you got, it's about the joy found in what you have: Jesus. The Comforter has come, He's coming again and right now, this very moment, He's with us. Praying for peace for those that have lost much this Christmas. 

Peace on earth, good will to men.