In being away from my family and loved ones this Christmas, I've had a lot of time to reflect on what this season really means. The holidays have always been a time of music, lights, holiday parties, and shopping. But as I've had limited access to these wonderful festivities, our Father has been gently reminding me of His goodness in sending His precious Son just for me. I know it sounds cliché, but what more could we ask for? God loves us so much that He smiled upon us some 2000 years ago with the gift of His Son. In these days leading up to Christmas, I have felt God reminding me that this time of the year has nothing to do with family or friends or presents or music or even a candlelight Christmas Eve service because it is about the birth of my Lord, and no matter where I am or what I'm doing or how I feel, all I need for Christmas to "happen" is to remember the love God poured out on me by sending His Son so that I might know Him. And my response can