Day 51

We hit the 5,500 milestone today! Wow! I love that we get to celebrate thankful milestones in 500 reason increments along the way. Each one of us has so many things to be thankful for and I enjoy reading everyone's unique approach to thanksgiving. You make this journey so much more exciting. Thank you for partnering with me in The Thankfulness Experiment. Our latest milestone is on the lower right branch.

Tonight, my family got to experience a unique Christmas event here in Louisville, KY. It's called KaLightascope at The Galt House Hotel. Imagine larger than life colorful, animated, automated lanterns in Christmas scenes. It reminded me of 3D stained glass windows. They were beautiful... there was Santa on a snowboard, dancing gingerbread girls, skating snowmen, toys and a Merry Christmas sign. But my favorite part of the display with the one about the true meaning of Christmas. There was an entire scene of Mary holding baby Jesus with Joseph at her side, angels and Wise Men. It was beautiful and a great reminder that Jesus really is the reason for the season. Here's a picture:

One of my favorite classic Christmas songs is What Child is This? which syncs up with the picture above.

what child is this
who laid to rest
on Mary's lap is sleeping
whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping
this, this is Christ the king
whom shepherds guard and angels sing
haste, haste to bring him praise
the babe, the son of Mary

he lies in such a lowly place
where ox and ass are feeding
the end of fear for all who hear
the silent word is speaking

this, this is Christ the king
whom shepherds guard and angels sing
haste, haste to bring him praise
the babe, the son of Mary

so bring him incense,
gold and myrrh,
come peasant king to love him;
the king of kings salvation brings,
let loving hearts enthrone him.

this, this is Christ the king
whom shepherds guard and angels sing
haste, haste to bring him praise
the babe, the son of Mary

raise, raise the song on high,
the virgin sings her lullaby:
joy, joy for Christ is born,
the babe, the son of Mary.
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/What-Child-Is-This-lyrics-All-4-One/D7A263FD8B75ECEF4825686C001DA915

 

 

As I was listening to this song today, the picture of shepherds being the first ones to greet Jesus took on a new meaning. God reminded me that Jesus was the good shepherd (John 10:11-18), so while to us, it may seem odd that those guarding sheep were the first to welcome Jesus to the world, it actually makes more sense now. This connection never occurred to me before. Jesus' birth was to save everyone one... from the lowly shepherd to the Leaders of the world. And both groups welcomed Jesus... shepherds in Luke 2:8-20 and Magi in Matthew 2:1-12. It's so exciting to learn new things about the Christmas story. The birth of Jesus is our reason for hope and one thing that we can give thanks for each day. Let's experience the Christmas story with thanksgiving this year as we celebrate the most important birthday ever on December 25th.

 

 

Tonight, I am thankful for...

 

 

1. Winter Break

2. Sleeping in

3. Knowing my friends are praying for me and learning how the Holy Spirit lets them know just what to pray

4. Making Christmas cookies and candy

5. Laughing with my mom during the baking process

6. My generous parents treating my family to dinner and KaLightascope

7. The smell of gingerbread

8. Hearing the kids say "This is fun" while helping with cookies and candy

9. Learning that non-perils are NOT the best topping for sugar cookies...imagine the tiniest bouncing balls everywhere

10. Sprinkle mountains on cookies

11. Praying for others

12. Knowing God hears our prayers and Jesus advocates on our behalf too

13. My hubby who knows the ins and outs of technology... because I don't... and how he helps me

14. The joy of kids running down the pedways

15. Jesus' humility and love that just blows me away!

Here's to 10,000 reasons... Only 4,354 to go...