If I weren’t a Christian, I’d probably believe that the holidays came around once a year just to renew our sense of hope and the fact that life is special and for no other reason. I always thought the people who set up their tree before Thanksgiving were crazy. But the older I get, the more I catch the Christmas bug early. Because really, there’s only like four weeks after Thanksgiving to enjoy the season. Why not start celebrating early?

Seriously, what WOULD we do without Thanksgiving and Christmas? Besides the fact that no Christmas means no Jesus, what would November through April look like with….nothing? How would we endure winter? What other time of the year would we take days off, relax more, spend extra time with family, and send out cards in the mail to wish good tidings? It’s almost too depressing to think about.

So thank God. Thank God that we have so much to thank Him for. Thank God that there’s a season of light and hope during the most dreary time of the year (in the Midwest anyways!). Thank God for food and the graciousness of others and twinkle lights and chex mix and pumpkin pie and days off work and the opportunity to serve others. Thank God for music and fireplaces and good books and warm embraces and welcoming smiles and for the chance to be known and loved.

Thank God for beauty from ashes.