Did you know that chopping down the Christmas tree represents the death of Jesus Christ and putting it back up represents the resurrection of Christ? Did you know that the wreaths we hang as a beautiful welcome for friends and family walking into our homes are circles that represent eternity? Those yummy peppermint candy canes were made to look like shepherd hooks and the colors, red Jesus blood, white purity. The gifts represent the three gifts the wise men brought baby Jesus. So, when you are running around trying to find the “perfect gift,” stop yourself, take a deep breath and remember, we have been given the perfect gift. Jesus Christ was given to us to remove all our sins. Jesus is the reason for the season, and what a day to celebrate and rejoice!

I can hardly believe the day we have all prepared for, and anxiously waiting for will be here in just a few days. Christmas morning is always so magical. As I sit here writing this in the dark with my tree lit, listening to “Away in a Manger” by Alan Jackson playing in the background and watching it snow, I can’t help but wonder — will the snow still be here for Christmas Day?

See, for weeks, and I mean weeks, I prayed every morning for snow. Before my feet hit the floor, I pray. Give thanks and praise to be living another glorious day. I may have slipped a few “Lord, it’s been a real kind of crappy year. Can I just ask you to bring us a white Christmas please? An inch to foot, I’ll be so happy. Thanks Lord.”

Well, I must have been a good girl because he sent me about 2 feet!! God is so good, and I felt like a little kid just waiting for this storm. Christmas snow is just so magical, and when you know God sent it, just for you, I mean, MERRY CHRISTMAS ANDREA!! Ok, Ok. I am sure I am not the only person who prayed for snow, but I believe its God’s attempt to make this dirty world look clean. Waking up to snow on Christmas!? It’s like your very own Hallmark movie.

Snow or no snow on Christmas morning, (which I am sure this snow will still be here)our day will be filled with Joy and Magic. Watching Christmas through my children’s eyes and seeing the happiness on their little faces while walking out to the tree is just about the best feeling in the world. Dad and Momma have to check the tree first, to make sure Santa came and get everything turned on. It’s tradition that my parents always did too. Then, at Christmas breakfast we sing Happy Birthday to Jesus too, so we never forget the true meaning of Christmas. From my home to yours, I pray your holiday is filled with love, joy, magic, and being with the ones you love. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

Festive Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
Ingredients:
• Green beans (about 1 1/2 lbs.) 6-8 beans per bundle – (I get fresh loose green beans at Wegmans)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 6 slices bacon
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cook bacon on the stovetop until slightly cooked (You don’t want it crispy!!). Reserve any drippings. Trim and wash green beans. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add baking soda. (Adding baking soda keeps the color of your green beans nice and bright green!) Add green beans and cook for 3 minutes until tender crisp. Remove from boiling water and place in a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Dab beans dry and toss with reserved bacon drippings (about 2 teaspoons), garlic powder and salt & pepper to taste. Wrap bacon around however many green beans you want, secure with a toothpick and place on a cookie sheet. Combine brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of water and lightly brush over each bundle. Roast 20-22 minutes or until bacon is crisp and beans are lightly roasted.