Cheers

Enjoy this special day with the ones you love, and I wish you all a very

Twas the day before Christmas

Have you noticed that Christmas Eve is one of the busiest days of the year? There's the cooking, the baking, the last-minute shopping, the cleaning, and of course, the wrapping. All of which I should probably be a bigger help ;).

Although I love the craziness, my favorite part about Christmas comes at the candlelight service this evening. When all the lights go down and one candle is lit, continuing to be passed row by row until the whole sanctuary is consumed by a chorus of voices singing Silent Night and the lights of flickering candles. So gorgeous it almost feels magical.

Winter Wonderland

I cannot possibly get enough of this wondrous season.

*Not pictured but things I love nonetheless:

Christmas carols, the buzzing activity at the mall, chiming bells in the sanctuary, holiday classics like White Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life, and snuggling up on the couch for an afternoon of endless Hallmark Christmas movies.

And I better go ahead and mention how much I've fallen in love with the entire second chapter of Luke all over again. I memorized it as a kid, but back then it just didn't hold this kind of power for me. My pastor preached on a few of its verses this morning, and I've been reflecting all day about how much depth and beauty is in this one single passage of Scripture. Not only is it packed full of the history of Christ's lineage, it gives insight into what made up that beautiful night. It's more than just the Christmas story, it's a story of life and salvation. It's a story of His mercy and forgiveness, and of a Child born as our gift.

I'll Be Home For Christmas

I'm home I'm home I'm home! I was so ready to throw all my crap in the car, hit the road, and head back to Raleigh after my last exam. It was probably the most beautiful feeling in the world, to finally be free from those long days of intense note-taking, highlighting, and paper-writing. Oh, and of course studying my tush off. Worst part of college by far.

But it's over, and I am overcome with joy.

First off, let me make a few points.

Point A: You never know how amazing a queen sized bed feels after you've been sleeping on a nasty worn-out twin sized one at college. Especially after you've been told that your room used to be the room of two gross freshman boys.

Point B: The only bad part about breaks is being away from the rooms/suitemates. Love y'all.

Point C: Why have I not listened to Train until now, besides their overplayed singles that is? They are incred. Parachute is a current favorite.

Point D: I'm convinced Kate Middleton is flawless. Not only is she engaged to Prince William, she's freaking gorgeous. And I'm a teensy eensy bit jealous, if you couldn't tell. I want her wardrobe, her sapphire ring, her hair. Ugh some people just have it all.

Point E: Flash raves are scary. And so are psychological thrillers involving Swan Lake melodies. Quite horrifying, actually.

Point F: I. Am. Going. To. Blog. More. No more finalssss! Take that Chapel Hill education. All A's and 1 B, what up, I think I can handle you. Maybe I'll even apply for the DTH next semester?

Point G: I'm 19. What an awkward age. It's sort of like 17, but not as cool because you're in college now, not high school. But holy wow next year I'll be 20, which sounds way more legit.

Point I: Have I mentioned how good it is to be home?