St Nicholas was Here...Words of the Heart by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

St Nicholas was Here....

I shared on Facebook that my kids grew up different than most on the block.  Coming from a German family, we always had a visit from St. Nick on the evening of the 5th of December.  As children we hung our stockings awaiting the decision of St Nick if we had been naughty or nice.

Mom filled the stocking with small presents, fruits and candy. Back in the 'old days' we did not really get expensive big gifts.

So as my children were born we continued the tradition of St Nick. Christmas was reserved more for the spiritual aspect and all the wonderful happenings wrapped around our advent wreath morning and night followed up by Church and all of its Christmas pageants and Christmas Eve services.

I know we did a small gift from Santa each year for our children, but Christmas when they were young was not like it is for children today. Focus presents, not Christ Child. Every day we lit our advent candles and focused on the story that has been shared for generations celebrating the journey of Mary and Joseph in their spiritual lives as well as their trip to Bethlehem.

The missing of the Spirit of the season seems to grow by the year in our American Society. No longer is it simple, pure and blessed. It has become how much and how big.

What can you do in your life over the next few weeks to make some positive changes to bring back the Spirit of Christmas? Our daily struggles seem to make us tired as we struggle to make the day. It will be that way until you 'get it' that only He desires to set you free. Only you can decide to start at a new spiritual level and be restored.  Hope remains in the Lord.  He is calling your name. Prepare your heart for His coming, and not St Nick's or Santa's coming.

Words from my heart,
Laurie

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31