By: Chaunte McClure

Now that Halloween has come and gone, let’s fast forward to Christmas, right? At least that seems to be the message from retailers. Actually, I’ve seen signs of Christmas in stores since early October. I was in search of fall décor for my porch, but I was out of luck because the pre-lit twig pumpkin I saw just a month prior was already out of stock and the store was making room for Christmas merchandise. What a bummer. I do have my eyes on an artificial Christmas tree that I spotted in Lowe’s last month.

The Christmas season is my favorite time of year. I love seeing twinkling lights and festive holiday décor, hearing sounds of the season and the little ones I love rattle off their Christmas list, and reflecting on why we celebrate such a joyous occasion – the birth of Jesus Christ.

He’s often buried beneath the hustle and bustle of preparing for December 25. We have everything on our minds from holiday travels to shopping to dinner preparation and then, maybe, on Christmas day we give thought to Jesus Christ.

I want to be intentional to focus on the biblical Christmas story throughout the season and have an even greater appreciation for Christ.

But wait! What about Thanksgiving? It’s only a few weeks away and most of us will spend it with our families enjoying dinner, reminiscing, and creating memories. While you’re passing the cranberry sauce or giblet gravy, take time to tell someone that you’re thankful for them and why.

Happy Thanksmas?!