What a wonderful time of year this is to get together with friends and family and rejoice in the birth of our Savior!  I’m sure you have your share of parties, programs, and events to attend throughout the month. One thing that I love to do is to have tea with my friends.  I don’t know about you, but I love to decorate for Christmas!  If you decide to have a tea you can go simple (like I did) or elaborate, depending on how much time and tea decor you have.  Be sure there is time to slow down share, laugh, and pray for each other.  Spending time with people is so important and so appreciated.  In the midst of our hurry-scurry culture, taking the time to invest in someone’s life doesn’t go unnoticed.  We were born for community and relationship with each other and God.

I usually have multiple teas to choose from, because I love tea! Cranberry Wonderland and Candy Cane by Celestial Seasonings, are very tasty.  You can also serve a snack to go with it.  Banana, pumpkin, or cranberry bread this time of year is a good choice.  You can add fruit and Christmas candy to the table or whatever sounds fun to you.  Here is one of my favorite recipes:

Pumpkin-Cranberry Bread

1 c. vegetable oil, 1 and 3/4 c. of brown sugar, 3 eggs, 2 c. canned or fresh cooked pumpkin, 3 and 1/2 c. whole wheat flour, 1 t.salt, 1 t. baking soda, 1/2 t. baking powder, 2 t. cinnamon, 1 t. nutmeg, 1 t. allspice (or cloves), 1 c. fresh cranberries chopped.  Mix the first 4 ingredients together. Combine flour and spices and add.  Add the cranberries and stir in only until mixed together.  Bake in greased pans at 325 degrees for 1 hour.  Makes 2 loaves.

At Christmas we have such a reason to celebrate!  “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor,  Mighty God,  Everlasting Father,  Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)  Jesus set aside everything to come and take on our humanity and be “God with us”.  He took the time to intentionally be with us. We celebrate God’s great love for us!   As you make your guest list, remember the ones that are close to His heart, the ones who may never be able to repay you.  Do you know someone new in town?  Someone who is a single parent?  Someone who is struggling that you can bless?  The lonely, the broken?  It’s good to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to someone who you can make a difference in their lives.  He will, and you will have the best Christmas season ever as you follow His lead in all that you do.  Merry Christmas!