All of us are likely familiar with and sing along to the song about Christmas that describes this time of the year as the "most wonderful time of the year!" (I'm surprised if you were able to just read that instead of singing it!) But is it really the most wonderful?

I would easily argue...YES!

Most everyone I've come in contact with recently has been more likely to return a smile with a smile and, just to put it simply, seem to be in a better mood. Even with the colder weather, I think people are more likely to have their hearts filled with joy during this time of year than any other.

I'm not sure if it is all the fun Christmas movies that we watch during this season or if it is knowing the unending amounts of home cooked meals and treats that will be available over the next 7-10 days. Whatever it is, I'm glad of it!

For us, the joy that seems to be more evident this time of year can be attributed to a steady reminder of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Obviously the Christmas season is filled with shopping for the best gift you can find for that special someone, but let's not forget that we're also celebrating Jesus.

We're thankful for a God that loves us enough to send his Son as the ultimate sacrifice in our place. A God who loves us enough to create the outdoors that we enjoy and put us in places to marvel at this amazing creation.

Thank you Lord for the opportunities that you give us and most of all for sending your Son, Jesus Christ long ago for us to celebrate during this season.

And that's why I can so easily argue that this is truly "the most wonderful time of the year!"