Happy Holidays! Wow, I never thought December would get here! This is my absolute favorite time of the year. Yes, it's the busiest also, but I love it! There are several reasons why I love December. For one, my son, Zachary's birthday is the 5th of the month. He will be two years old. I know what you're thinking....he is going into the terrible two's! WRONG! He is already in the terrible two's! Been there for at least 4 months! He is definitely changing! I never knew a two year old could have so much attitude! LOL!!
Of course, another reason I love December is because I can listen to Christmas Music and people won't look at me strange. See, I started listening to Christmas Music back in September! I just love Christmas Music. I have acquired a large Christmas collection. I even picked up a few more Christmas projects to listen to the last several weeks. Just in the last couple of weeks I received the Christmas projects by Jo Dee Messina, Harry Connick Jr, Lee Ann Womack, Patty Loveless, Plus One, WOW Christmas, Gerald Wolfe, and the FANtastic Christmas CD.
Another reason I love December is because of all the parties. I love getting together with my family and friends. It is just such a special time of the year. I also love giving gifts. When I was a child I used to think that people were lying when they would say, `Oh, I would rather give than to receive!" I used to think, "yeah right!" But because I am older (and I hope a little more wiser), I have learned that giving IS more enjoyable. I enjoy giving gifts to special people.
I have received special gifts from people since my childhood. There are a few that stand out. One year, my parents were having a rough time financially. As a child I didn't know all the details but I knew that money was tight. Mom and Dad had 5 kids to feed and support and I am sure that the money for our presents was hard to come by. That year I had wanted a particular toy so bad. You know, it was one of those moments as a child you just have to have it or you're gonna die! Well ,I had opened up all of my presents but one. I knew that last gift was not the toy I wanted because the package was too small! Was I disappointed? YES. I remember everyone around me was talking and laughing and having a good time. I was heartbroken! I gathered up all the gifts I received (the usual jeans, dress shirts, socks & underwear!) and took them to my room. I remember not even wanting to come out of my room because I didn't want my parents to see how disappointed I was. All of a sudden th! ey started yelling at me to come back in the living room. I wiped a tear from my eye and went back to where the family was. When I entered the room everyone got quiet. They were all just watching the expression on my face when I saw this huge package wrapped in the middle of the floor. Yup, it was my toy! I was so excited! LOL!
In December of 2000, God gave my wife and I a precious gift. On December 5th, 2000, Zachary Paul Ferrell was born. That was the most special Christmas I had ever had. The other gifts I had received that year did not matter. I remember holding Zachary while we were opening up our gifts at home and just thanking God for him. Even now I still can't believe that God has trusted us with this special gift.
But the most precious gift I ever received was not given at Christmas. The most precious gift I received was my salvation. I asked the Lord to come into my heart in the Spring of 1989. When I think about that gift nothing else seems to matter. It's all about Him. I pray every year that more emphasis will be placed on Him during the holidays.
The gift that the men found in the stable in Bethlehem was the greatest gift known to man. It was so great of a gift that they all had to bow and cry Holy! Even though the preparations had been made by God from the beginning of time, it was still not a festive scene. He wasn't wrapped in anything special. The only thing special about that night was that little boy wrapped in swaddling clothes. He came as prophesied. There was cause for Joy! Our Savior had been born! Because of that night and because of the old rugged cross......and then because of the empty tomb....We have a hope that is eternal. Now there's a reason to celebrate!
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! God Bless You All!!
Until Next Month,
Shane Ferrell
Lighthouse Promotions
DJ's THANKS for the chart action!
The Perrys "Still Blessed" #3
The Redeemed "Calvary's The Reason Why" #20 ---Their First Top 20
The Jody Brown Indian Family "Where Is Your Faith" #22 --Their First Top 40!
The Whisnants "What You Took From Me" #41 ---debut
The Primitive Qt. "Only Gone From Our Sight" #55 ---debut
The Rochesters "I'll Be There" #56
The Singing Echoes "It Will Be Too Late" #78 --debut
Be looking for Lighthouse Hits Volume 26 the end of January!
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 12/01/2002
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 2
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What a great article. What a great industry professional. What a great friend.
Shane I enjoy your articles and your devotion to your family.I met you through Brian Burchfield, and both of you serve the Lord with a servent's heart.Keep up the good work.
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