The stars are (or will be) brightly shining…
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth…
Christmas Eve is probably my favorite day in the year. Sure, there are the presents, given and received, too much delicious food, gatherings with friends and family, tinsel and trees and bright lights, all lovely. There’s more, though…a sense of anticipation, it seems to me, as a weary, war-torn world holds its breath and waits. Heartbeats quicken and eyes turn heavenward, searching for the Star of the East, heralding the best message humankind has ever received:
For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. (KJV).
As far as I’m concerned, no more beautiful words have ever been spoken or written. And though we might not see the Star, or hear the angels sing, the promise is as true today as it was on that first night in Bethlehem. Like the Wise Men and the shepherds, we too can stand in awe of God’s Glorious Gift–Emmanuel, ‘God with us.’ Jesus, the Living Bridge between you and me pand the Most High God. The Hope of all.
Possibly, you’re a little down-hearted right now. Maybe your health isn’t the best, or you’ve lost a loved one, human or animal, or you don’t have a tree or presents or any of the other customary trimmings of Christmas. Perhaps you have received the Gift of the Lord’s unfailing love and forgiveness and hope, but you’ve become distracted by troubles and have forgotten how precious this Pearl of Great Price really is. Perhaps you haven’t received Emmanuel, in which case you stand at the threshold of a whole new world of light and joy, even in the midst of sorrow.
The password is a simple prayer, spoken aloud or in the sweet silence of your innermost self. The words don’t need to be fancy, and nobody needs underwrite them, or to put their hand on your head and shout hallelujah. 
This night, or any night, can be holy, because the Child can be born in your heart, just as He was, so very long ago, in that broken-down and none-too-clean stable.
See the symbolism in that? I knew you would, because you’re one smart Who. (Okay, so maybe you’re a Grinch some of the time, like me, but it doesn’t have to be chronic.) We have choices, yet another of God’s many gifts.
Wherever this message finds you, I wish and yours a Blessed and Peaceful Christmas. May bells ring out over snowy fields and plains, over mountains and deserts and tropical vistas, carrying the Good News–Glory to our newborn King. And instead of fussing and fretting and wearing yourself down to a nub, may you remember to take the time to get quiet, climb into God’s lap, and allow Him to soothe and restore you. He longs to do just that.
And please remember what we talked about yesterday. God is not mad at you. God is not disappointed in you. God has not written you off as a lost cause, no matter what you’ve done, not done, said, not said, thought or not thought. He loves you. Period.
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Another lovely reflection! I hope you don’t mind, Linda, if I print out and keep a few of these most recent ones, to re-read in moments of stress. My memory is not what it used to be, and your phrasing is so lyrical that it’s a joy in itself, let alone the message you’re sharing.
Blessings to you and yours on this holy day and throughout the coming year!
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Go for it, and God bless!
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Thank you for your uplifting message!! I feel it is from a good friend of mine. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!!
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How beautiful your thoughts and words!! What an awesome message too! May love, peace and joy be yours this most holy of holidays. God Bless!!
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Thank you for that wonderful message, you can really pick someone up by just reading your blogs.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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What a beautiful, uplifting message! Thank you Linda and blessings to you and yours. Merry Christmas! XO
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Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thank you for all you do and your always uplifting messages.
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I cherish these lovely thoughts and words on this Christmas Eve day. We are having a white Christmas in Kansas. It’s sad in our small town today–yesterday a Mother found her 30 year old son had passed away in the night and one-year old twin boys died in a house fire, their Mother is severely burned. Please pray for these families.
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Janie, I will pray for those mothers. I know how they feel.
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Definitely praying. God bless you, Janie.
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Linda I sure do like your post today. I think I will print this out & keep it handy to reread when I need it. Thank you
Merry Christmas to you & your family. also to everyone on this blog have a safe & warm holiday.
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Merry Christmas to you and yours. May God bless all of you. Thanks for the affirmation of His love and grace. It was a beautiful message
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So well said. Thank you!
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Wow so well written. Enough said!!
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Beautiful words Linda. Thank you snd Merry Christmas!
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Speechless…… after that beautiful piece!
Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones!
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Love you, dear heart. Have a very merry.
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Thank you for the beautiful and inspirational words. This is your best post ever!
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I loved your message so much and want to have your permission to copy the last two paragraphs and send to all my friends for a Christmas message. Is this possible?
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Of course! Share as you wish.
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Of course, Connie
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Beautiful message. Thank you.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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Linda, I pray you and yours, and all the Blogger Friends, have the very best Christmas ever this year, and a very Blessed New Year!!!
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MERRY CHRISTMAS Linda to you and yours and all your fans that check in to your blog to see what words of wisdom you will impart. What a great reminder you have given us on the Eve of the most special day of all. May re all remember the reason for the season and enjoy what blessing we do have. As you mentioned yesterday, we can all find blessings if you just look. Just reading your blog is several different blessing, 1 being able to see 2 being able to read 3 a wonderful note from someone we love to hear from. See there’s 3 right there.
Again, wishing everyone a wonderfully MERRY CHRISTMAS, MAY GOD BLESS YOU, ONE AND ALL !!!!!
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Thank you for the encouragement and reminders about our Wonderful Lord! I wish you and yours great blessings this Christmas season and into 2014! We ARE loved, and to be able to love each other is such wonderful evidence of His love to us!
I also send up prayers for the people suffering this week and month. I pray they have relief from their suffering and grief, and they find comfort, and that whatever the reason is for the suffering, that God will bring them out the other side of their dark valley with relief and joy. I hope and pray, for those who know that this world is not our home, that the joys to come in Eternity will bring them hope to endure.
Thank you for another great blog, Linda. May God bless you and all the blogger buddies.
Merry Christmas and Hallelujah!
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Amen, and Amen!!
Happy Birthday, my friend!!!
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Amen and Amen!!
Happy Birthday, my friend!!!
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I didn’t mean to repeat myself, but it is all worth it.
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Amen and Christmas Blessings to you and yours.
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Amen and Amen! Beautiful words.
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Dear Linda,
Have a blessed Christmas. I know you will.
Reading your blog for the last couple days has been like adding another advent devotion to the others I have been reading, enjoying and taking to heart this Advent season.
Just as you are a blessing to others, my prayer is that I can be the same through words and actions.
God bless you. Pat
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Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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You always know the right things to say! Have a Merry & Blessed Christmas Season!
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Thanks for the reminder of what is important during this season Linda. Merry Christmas to everyone and God Bless!!
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Merry Christmas, all!
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Beautifully stated, Linda…so touching ☺️!! God bless you & your family on this Christmas Eve & always! It, too, is my favorite moment of the holidays – so quiet & peaceful & full of anticipation!
Oh Holy Night, especially as Pavorotti would sing it with such reverence, just brings tears to my eyes
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What a very thoughtful message. Well said. Thank you for all your books. Have a very Merry Christmas to you and your family both human and animals.
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Silent Night is my favorite. Also love the Christmas song (chestnuts roasting on an open fire) MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!
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Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
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Linda thank you for your words this evening. Never has there been any words truer. I know people loose their way (including me) from time to time. This is the best night in the world, the birth of our Lord. For years I went to midnight mass and celebrated His birth. Then I couldn’t find a midnight mass. About five years ago I found a church that still celebrates with a midnight mass and I have been every year, but hadn’t planned on it tonight. Now I am going to get ready and go. Thank you again.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your family and friends and all your fans.
Diane
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Linda,
Have a peaceful, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Bridget
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Merry Christmas and thank you for the beautiful message!!!! So many times, people are so in a rush that they don’t realize that a prayer can be said ANYTIME!! It doesn’t just work inside a church building or at home kneeling beside a bed. STOP! Take deep breath, close your eyes(or look heavenward) and PRAY! Doesn’t have to e out loud,doesn’t have to be long, just a THANK YOU LORD is sufficient! Thank you Lord for sending your son that we may have everlasting life and a HOME waiting for us! Amen!
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Amen, Sister. You said it all!
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Christmas blessing to you!
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Merry Christmas. You couldn’t have said it any better.
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May you and your family have a blessed and joyful Christmas season. Remember it is not just one or two days. Praise God for each morning you wake and praise God before you lay your head down. He listens.
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Merry Christmas and thank you for your words.
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Thank you Linda for your eloquent thoughts and words. Good to hear that at least once a year. The world of today can really get me down…violence….evil…lack of caring and empathy. Merriest of Christmases to you and your gang.
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Merry Christmas!
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I love the words you have inspired us with. We all get busy and frazzled during the holiday season and we need reminded what this season is all about. Your words gave a calming peace down inside of me. Thank you. Merry Christmas to you and your family and wishing you a year filled with promise and good health. <3
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Merry Christmas, hope you have a blessed holiday.
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At times I can feel the depression coming on so I grab my Bible and a few passages that make me feel better, I miss my mom a lot at this time but I need to reflect on its Jesus’s birthday, and all the parties and the presents are just that-even though my mom made the holiday special, I do the same for my kids, and beginning around them and friends make me smile! Your words made me smile, had to work tonight until 9pm but it was an ok. evening! Merry Christmas and have a wonderful time with your family and friends! I read your book Big Sky Wedding and loved it, now I need Big Sky Secret, love your books so much!
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Thank you for such a wonderful post. I alway enjoy Christmas because we go to my sister’s house for dinner and gifts. I really enjoy spending time with my family. Its going home to me because she lives in the house where I grew up. It been a wonderful evening.
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Merry Christmas Linda and Team! Thank you very much for delivering this message of salvation, the fact that you have touches my heart and Our Heavenly Father Loves You Dearly.
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Merry Christmas to you and yours. And Thank You for all the wonderful stories that take us away.
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Jesus came into the world as the Saviour of mankind. And all welcome to His everlasting mercy.
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wonderful message and well written. too many are suffering this year from wars, the wrath or Mother nature, and general meaness in the world. HOPE and FAITH IS WHAT WE SHOULD LIVE OUR LIVES WITH EVERY DAY.
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Thank you Linda for the lovely message, it was inspirational,Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas to all of your fans on this blog. Enjoy your day everyone, may you be Blessed with many more.
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I could not have said it better, Linda. Merry Christmas !
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Linda, you are an amazing woman with a beautiful heart! Thank you for your beautiful, loving, encouraging words. I hope that anyone who has not asked Jesus to be their Lord & Savior will be led to by reading your beautiful words. I felt a calling from the Lord about 6 years ago at the age of 48 and asked Jesus into my heart. My life has been transformed since then! I have been freed from the pain and anxiety of my past, I have found peace, and am now truly enjoying life at long last. Thank you Linda for touching lives the way you do. I hope you have the most amazing Christmas ever and much happiness in the New Year!
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Amen and amen!! Have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous 2014. Pat
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Amen to tha . We had are christmas last night. So the little ones can be home today. Merry Chrisrmas. Your comments always make sence.
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Best Blog ever! Thank you for being so profound! After all of the heart break, there has alway been God in our lives. We for sure could not go on if we did not have great faith. That is what keeps me and my family going. Amen!
Merry Christmas to all. Always remember God is in your life.
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Linda, Wishing you a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas. Your words said it all.
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I just wanted to say…HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!
And, Merry Christmas to one and all of you.
Linda, have you ever had a calling to be a minister, since you do minister to all of us?
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No call so far–except to write books that lift people’s spirits and to share my beliefs in my blog.
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YI have been having computer pr.moblems. .The greatest gift is John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have every leternal life. Merry Christmas to all
Norma
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Merry CHRISTmas to all and Happy New Year. I pray you have a safe travel to see family and friends.
Norma
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Merry Christmas to you Linda, your family and all your readers/fans!
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Your words are a true inspiration. Thank you for sharing them with me, as you always seem to say just the right thing. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
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Linda your words of encouragement were just beautiful. I am the only one left in my immediate family and it is difficult at Christmas remembering the wonderful Christmases I had with my parents and my two brothers. But life has to go on so I try to make Christmas special for my children and grandchildren. Leaving our Christmas Eve services at my church, I looked up and there was the brightest star I have ever seen and it made me think of the star that was seen by the shepherds and the wise men so many years ago and my heart felt such joy by just seeing the star so bright in the sky. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and hope the New Year is good to everyone.
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I think this is one of my favorite posts by you. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and words with us!
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THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
Whether you know it or not, you are a preacher of GOOD NEWS
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Like any gift we have wrapped and place under the tree or presented to us with love and good will, it is truly never ours
until we reach out and accept it. Accept the free gift of God’s Love given to us through the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ, and you have a gift that is worth having.
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I’ve been gone since before Christmas and am just now catching up with the e-mail and thank you so much for the message above. All too often we do forget what Christmas is all about as we get caught up in our daily lives. We received the most precious of gifts of all on that night 2013 years ago and we shouldn’t ever forget that. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well as your extended family and a very blessed New Year.