[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f you get our Christmas card, you’ve probably already read this! But I thought it’d be nice to share on here with some pictures of our first Christmas decorations!

It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. Time really does fly when you’re having fun… or not. Ha! I know for all of us this year has been exceptionally challenging in so many ways, but when I look back at 2020, I want to remember the good things. Those things that carried us through the hardship, loss and turmoil of living on this temporary earth.

I think Thomas and I would agree that our biggest blessing in 2020 has been starting our journey as husband and wife together. Even though our wedding plans were changed several times due to COVID, we were still able to get married and we praise God for that! Many nights we find ourselves snuggled up on the couch just in awe of The Lord’s goodness in all seasons of life.

We were finally able to purchase our first house in the place that we love, the mountains of Tucker County and have been slowly making it into home. Decorating for Christmas has been a joy for me. I love to decorate anyway, but there is just something so special about seeing our home lit up by the twinkling lights and glimmer of hope.

It seems like August-December goes by so quickly for me. I am often busy spending time documenting pretty photos of families and couples, and this fall was no exception. We really enjoyed the gorgeous display of God’s handiwork when the leaves changed. I love summer, but have really started to love fall too. Thomas’s favorite season is fall and I think it’s because he gets to spend his free time in the woods hunting for big bucks, ha!

Overall, I hope and pray that like us, the good things this year have outweighed the bad for you. Sometimes we find ourselves anxious about what is to come or the hardships in life and it can become overwhelming. I recently talked with a friend who gave me true, applicable encouragement that I started doing. Start by reading in the new testament and write down everything about who God/Jesus is. It’s so eye opening!

In Luke 2, I wrote down these truths:

1. Jesus was born into this world as the Messiah. Messiah means “anointed one” in Hebrew, which refers to the common practice of anointing kings with oil to signify their royalty or priesthood. Jesus is our KING! Born in that humble manger, he was already anointed to be our king.
2. Jesus is our Savior. He was born to redeem our souls and save us from eternal punishment.
3. Lastly, he is Jesus!! The name Jesus actually means “God is salvation.” What an amazing way for Our Lord to show his people the truth. God is our only hope, our one true king, and our salvation.

Now more than ever, the lost and dying world needs the hope of Christ this Christmas. It is my prayer that His love will be on display in hearts and minds during the holiday season. Jesus is our only hope. The best gift of all is knowing Him as your savior! It’s the true meaning of Christmas.

(Side note: This is what Cubbie thought of me taking Christmas pictures.)

Yes, I know that we aren’t quite out of the woods yet with this pandemic, but I am clinging to the hope found in God’s word in Hebrews 13:5, For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Read that again. He’s never going to leave us. How good is our God!! Enjoy this time with those closest to you, and focus on the good. Praying for a safe and happy holiday season!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

xoxo,

Zoe