Advent 1: A Photograph is Worth a Thousand Thanks

Jingle Bell
In preparation for Easter, I marked Lent by thanking God for something every day for forty days. I called it a sacrifice of praise. And for a melancholy introvert such as myself, it was a blessing to practice thankfulness.

I am hoping to do the same as I prepare my heart for the Christmas celebrations ahead. I desire to focus on Christ and what He does for me everyday, instead of being overwhelmed by all the things I feel I should do to create positive memories and happy moments for my friends and family. Intentional celebration is awesome! And celebration is necessary to break up the monotony of everyday-ness. Yet celebration can be found in our monotony. After all, happiness is momentary, usually experienced through an event, a person or some item. Joy, rooted in Christ, is everyday and everlasting.

Children, I pray that God gifts you JOY this Christmas. I pray that you will not be distracted by the glittery, sparkling materialism that surrounds you. I pray that Christmas isn't equated with Frozen paraphernalia or Batman Lego. I pray that you will understand that Christmas is CHRIST, He who is the epitome of generosity, love, and forgiveness.

To mark my thankfulness, I will embark upon a photographic journey, to practice my picture-taking art and to practice thankfulness. Sometimes I'll just post a picture. Other times I might write a reflection along side the digital image. Nonetheless I aim to know God's joy everyday, through His strength and inspiration.

A picture is worth a thousand words. I think a photograph can be worth a thousand thanks. Right?

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