Merry Christmas!  God is always with us, and what a year it has been! I know most of my friends are saved and counting it all joy because of our Savior.  If not, accept the gift that gives all year long for your entire life and for eternity!
Ephesians 2:8 tells us ..."For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:'
What a gift He gave and I am so glad I took that gift to be mine forever.  I didn't have to DO anything except believe on Him and trust Him.  
Ephesians 2:9 "Not of works, lest any man should boast."  Whatever I accomplish, it is because God gave me life and allows me to live it - I do hope I please Him with the choices I make.  
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Because I am saved, I am drawn to do good and hand over the glory to Him.

Our church had a wonderful Christmas service yesterday with wonderful truths from God's Word, a Christmas store for the bus kids, an adorable Christmas pageant, and as always, wonderful hymns and specials!  Looking forward to a nice day with friends tomorrow and perhaps a visit to the ice park nearby.   We'll finish the week "school-free" and just relax and enjoy lots of family time.  We love and miss our "lower 48" families, but we are together here in a nice warm home enjoying a very white Christmas! God bless you in the days that God gives you!