Christmas is coming

It's fogy and cold outside. I just came back from church service.The year is slowly coming to the end and feels like it was yesterday when I was getting ready to enter in 2010...and now I'm getting ready for 2011. I'm analyzing my failures and success from the last year, measuring my growth and maturity in the things; but not by my own or worldly standers but  by God's standers. Because, you see, I may not succeed a lot in some people eyes but I know I did some good steps in God eyes and I want Him to be proud of me.
Christmas is approaching. Such a beautiful and joyful celebration. Knowing the true meaning of Christmas is bringing all the difference and  real joy to this holiday. I grow up in a "orthodox" family with communist roots. We did some tradition around Christmas but Jesus was never mentioned and the atmosphere in the house was gray-sad, empty. New Years Eve was highly exalted and expected then Christmas itself.
I start believing in Jesus at the age of 14, finding out that He is alive from preacher at the street evangelism. I changed in that moment, I start seeing things differently, a literally felt that new life started inside of me. How real, close and loving God became for me and since than Christmas was never the same.
I remember my first Christmas as believer in the house of some missionaries. The whole house was filled with joy, songs, love...we read Bible together, we prayed, we singed, we ate together.They were kind enough to let me be part of there family and enjoy Christmas with them. I promise my self than that one day when I have my family and house I will make a big Christmas party and it won't be only for my family but I will invite people, youths, so they can enjoy loving and warm Christmas atmosphere. Some years ago I made Christmas party and invited people in my place. Made the best food and prepared the whole atmosphere with decoration, music, encouraging words from the Bible...people were having a blessed time. Christmas is all about being here for others. Christ came on the earth for us, so we can in same way be here for others and represent His love and kindness.
Yesterday I taught some kids to make Christmas cookies and we had so much fun. I'm looking forward for this Christmas.One of my desires for this coming year is for me to be here for others.
May this coming year be blessed and fruitful for all of you who believe in Christ Jesus.