Good morning, Immanuel family, and happy 2 days until Christmas! Two days until we are reminded yet

again of the miracle of Jesus’ birth and the very beginning of His breathtaking ministry. It's the time of

year when the kids are home from school, you may have a couple of days off work, family traditions are

continuing, along with so many more joyful activities! While this is a happy time and a fun time with

family, there is also this stream of stress and anxiety. 

So many thoughts swirl in our minds:

Do we have all the gifts in the car?

Is (insert whatever name) dressed and ready?

Is Grandpa going to say something unhinged?

I hope my sister is normal this year.

Should I check my work email?

How many more days until school starts back? 

Is it time to go home yet?

There are so many more things that go in and out of our minds that are normally induced by stress and

anxiety. I'm sorry to break it to you but your sister is probably not going to be normal this year, and

there are still 2 to 3 weeks until the kids go back to school. 

Through all of this, let me put some Scripture on your mind and heart.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Specifically, I want to point you to “Love is patient and kind.” I feel we should be reminded that we

learned LOVE from the Lord. God shows us LOVE that we will never be able to match. God sent His one

and only son, IN LOVE. LOVE is from God. 

We need to go into this holiday season with LOVE on our minds. We should strive to LOVE our family,

even that crazy sister, the unhinged grandpa, and those children you just need 3 seconds away from –

because God LOVED us first. And honestly, God LOVES them too and they may not see that. So, LOVE

them as God LOVES them. Take a deep breath and remember why you’re all celebrating together. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – and remember to tell your family and friends you LOVE them! 

By Raegan Peterson