So much to ponder for Christmas....

As Christmas approaches this year, I find myself pondering many things, reflecting on the happenings of 2015 and come once again to a point of gratitude.  There is a song in one of my piano Christmas album/music books by Josh Groben called "Thankful."  The words and music are written by Carole Bayer Sager, Daivd Foster and Richard Page.

There is a YouTube version of this beautiful song, if you would like to listen to it.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=You+Tube+Josh+Groban+%22Thankful%22+lyrics
 And, here are the lyrics for you:

Some days we forget to look around us;
Some days we can't see the joy that surrounds us.
So caught up inside ourselves,
We take when we should give.

So for tonight, we pray for what we know can be,
And on this day we hope for what we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change,
And even though we all can still do more,
There's so much to be thankful for.

Look beyond ourselves;
There's so much sorrow,
It's way too late to say,
"I'll cry tomorrow."
Each of us must find our truth,
So long overdue.

So for tonight, we pray for what we know can be,
And on this day we hope for what we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change,
And even though we all can still do more,
There's so much to be thankful for.

Even with our differences,
There is a place we're all connected;
Each of us can find each other's light.

So for tonight, we pray for what we know can be.
And on this day, we hope for what we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change,
And even though this world needs so much more,
There's so much to be thankful for.

As you listen to or sing the Christmas Carols that are so familiar think about the words - what do they really mean?
Peace on Earth, Good Will toward Men:  Am I bringing peace to someone who may need it?
Angels We Have Heard on High:  Are you listening and watching for the Angelic Chorus that surrounds us?
Joy to the World:  Do you what joy they are singing about?
What Child is This?  Do you know who this child is?  Have you asked Him into your heart?
Silent Night:  Can you feel the awe and reverence that is meant to fill our hearts?

How can you  make a difference in some else's life?  How can you lighten someone's load?  What can
do that will truly impact another human being's life?  Heart?  Soul?
We are not meant to be isolated, self-centered and self-absorbed.  We are meant to carry a message of love and joy and peace to others......what will you do to make a difference this season?

In these next few days before Christmas, take time to do what truly matters.

Pause in the middle of the hustle and bustle and just be still for a moment....

Be grateful for all that you have.....

Spread love, joy and peace to all whom you come in contact with - the warmth that fills your heart is only a tiny portion of what love can do for someone else who may be hurting this season.

Remember the reason for the season:
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
The King of King - salvation brings.
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Christ came to save us from our sins.
Christ came to bring us JOY.  

So for tonight,
May your heart be filled to overflowing with that JOY and
Spread that JOY wherever you go!!!

Merry, Merry Christmas!!!