At our house the snow has been falling over the last few days. Everything is covered in white and there are icicles hanging off the roof. It's a dream scenario for this time of year. We will be having white Christmas.

Everybody wants a white Christmas. Everybody also wants a bunch of other stuff too. A new gaming system, a car, a computer, a trip to Hawaii. What happens when you don't get what you really want?

It made me stop and think about that first Christmas. There was no snow, I'm sure. But I think there were some wants. A room. A bed. A midwife. I'm not so sure the stable fit the bill. And yet from that occasion of things not turning out as expected came the most wonderful gift ever given.

As I watch the snow drift lightly to the ground I am grateful for the obedience of one man to take his betrothed to a city far from home. For the willingness of a young girl to go along and not complain when the only place to stay was a stable. And for Heavenly Father who loved me so much that He created the dream scenario where a little baby would be born and through Him my sins would be forgiven.

I'm thankful for the beauty of a white Christmas. But I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the wonderful gift of Jesus.

Merry Christmas!