Early Spin on Christmas

News flash! I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

Over the years, I have posted guest blogs about coping with the Christmas season and advent. This year, I am challenging myself to exhaust my list of things to write about that blessed time between now and say – February when I take down my Christmas decorations. Hopefully the people who read my stuff won’t be too perturbed or outright bored. Considering the basic subject, you know I’ll get a little preachy now and then!

As I have dug into my decorating with wild abandon (which I started in late September), my creative juices have been in overdrive. My decorating, like my writing, is off the charts as far as free flowing. Is that a synonym for chaotic? It must be.

Even during this time, I am continuing to do the Swedish Death Purge. Or at least, I’m trying. The problem is, every time I start to put some old decoration in the thrift store pile, I think of another way to use that particular item in a very particular way. Or shall I say peculiar?

The featured image is of an angel who got new wings this year because her other ones fell apart. She is missing one foot and one hand and should probably be in the garbage. But with a little creativity, she’s hanging in there beautifully for one more year!

Since my living room sports a pool table, a Christmas tree is not a practical item to add to the already overcrowded room.

So – This year I am doing swags on the sides of several windows. Of course, none are the same. None are symmetrical. Not even close. Like I said, freestyle. And fun for me.

I’m sure what I think Romans 12:6 ESV has to say is not what Paul had in mind. ‘Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.’ My gifts can probably be described like my girls call me – quirky.

I could get distressed when I read a verse like Philippians 4:13. ‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.’ I know it isn’t talking about getting my act together or being more normal. Though God could help me change from quirkiness, I’m not sure He wants to.

As I went through some verses in my well-marked Bible today, I kept running across underlined passages that refer to God’s love for us. There are many verses about God’s love, but I think the one I am posting here shows God likes us as well!

This is sort of a Christmas verse because Jesus is our Immanuel – God with us. Zephaniah 3:17 NLT For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

Blessings

KB