Friday, December 10

Isaiah 12:1-6
“And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known His deeds among the nations; proclaim that His name is exalted.”

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. The lights, the smells, the food, the family. The most important thing, however, is the birth of our Savior. To me, Christmas music is what reminds me of this the most. The songs about Jesus’s birth and songs of praise and thanks for Him touch me the deepest.

Growing up, my Grandma would go all out for Christmas. When the time came, she would have the biggest tree decorated just right with beautiful ornaments and the perfect angel on top. She would make the most amazing Christmas cookies and candies that she would try to make last until our Christmas meal— she always baked extra just in case! And she would always have her Trans-Siberian Orchestra playing loudly. The sounds of the songs just got you more in the spirit. Then, on Christmas Eve, she would say how thankful she was that our family was there together celebrating this wonderful time of the year.

In the years since I have lost my grandma, I anxiously wait for Halloween to be over so that the radio stations will play my favorite Christmas songs. Listening to the songs about a tiny baby being born in a manger and knowing that the child will save us all brings goosebumps every time. I loudly sing along in thanksgiving for all that God has given to us and all that He has saved us from. This Advent season I hope that you will join me in singing loudly in thanksgiving for everything that tiny little baby means to us.

-Rachel Russell