December 10,2025

Matthew 1:22-25

²² So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ²³ “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

²⁴ Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, ²⁵ and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded of the profound implications of Jesus’ birth for our lives today. The fulfillment of prophecy serves as a beacon of assurance, reminding us that God’s plans are unshakeable and His promises are steadfast. Just as Joseph’s obedience exemplified faith in action, we are called to trust in God’s leading, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. In a world that clamors for control and certainty, the story of Joseph and Mary invites us to surrender to God’s perfect plan, finding solace in the truth that He is always with us, guiding our steps with divine wisdom and grace.

It's Wednesday and time for some HodgePodge!

1. Do you struggle with the commercialization of the holiday season? What helps you keep your focus when the season’s busyness and commercialism start to take over? 

No, I've always been onto the plots and schemes of commercials.  My focus first is the Reason for the Season, and then my family.  I love old family traditions and a few new ones that have developed along the years.  It's all about love and fellowship, that's the most important thing.

2. What's one small thing you want to savor before the year ends?

 For me it isn't a small thing, I want to savor the presence of the Lord in my life, the family I love dearly and the small piece of the world I live in . . . not just for the end of the year but for years to come.

3. December 9th is National Christmas Card Day. Do you still send Christmas cards? If so does yours include a photo or is it a more traditional card, or maybe homemade? How do you feel about the tradition of exchanging cards at the holidays? If Hanukkah is the holiday you celebrate in December do you send cards to mark the occasion? 

I used to send cards every year, but sadly I don't anymore.  I think social media might have a lot to do with that.

4. What's your least favorite holiday related task? What's your favorite? 

My favorite is decorating the house for the season, my least favorite is taking it all down. 

5. Let's do a little holiday this or that? 

shopping or wrapping

baking or decorating

eggnog or wassail

real tree or artificial

turkey or ham

white lights or colored lights 

ugly sweaters or matching pjs

peppermint or cinnamon 

presents Christmas Eve or presents Christmas Day

We always opened gifts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day morning we would enjoy what Santa brought during the night.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Christmas is more than twinkling lights and joyful songs—it is the gathering of family and friends, the laughter of jingle bells, and the cheer of “ho ho ho.” Yet at its heart lies the greatest gift of all: the birth of our Saviour. In the midst of celebration, may we pause to marvel at His love, which makes every tradition shine brighter and every moment more meaningful.

Blessings to All

Until Next Time