Magic*

Excitement* 

After almost three years our Christmas tree has finally gone up! And, once again, here is what made my day magical:

1. The smell of pine needles.
2. A large red ribbon tied around our tree.
3. Warm, freshly baked chewy, chocolate chuck cookies, popcorn and mugs of tea and coffee :)
4. A thousand twinkling lights - but first trying to untangle them... 
5. Golden bells tinkling.
6. Ornaments from our around-the-world travels (every glance is rich with precious memories, special moments in every touch)*
7. Heritage and family traditions: the candles, Austrian angels, American wreaths, German nutcrackers, nativity scene, shining stars, wooden rocking horses, African beads, spicy cinnamon sticks...
8. Singing along to Christmas carols (and maybe, just maybe, dancing around the room with reckless abandon!) 
9. The "children's" Christmas stockings hung up along the fireplace. 
10. Stretching to place the angel at the very top of the tree - terrified that you are going to know the whole this over!
11. Family :)
12. Most importantly: the birth of the world's Saviour! The Messiah, sovereign, ruling King, the Lord of Grace, Love incarnate... born as a babe, born to die... so that we can have everlasting life! Hallelujah! 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

{Isaiah 9:6}