My parents taught me at a very young age that it is better to give, than to receive. They are truly remarkable individuals! I respect and love them with all of my heart! My mom is a self-less angel who is willing to do anything for anyone. My dad is a minister and missionary who always gives his whole heart to serving others. They made serving and ministry look like so much fun; so my brother and I are inevitably drawn to that lifestyle even to this day. Because my family is also extremely musical, most of my memories at Christmas time are harmoniously pleasant. We would go caroling at nursing homes, visit home-bound church members and sing old hymns. Dad would take us to Jimmy Hale Missions to serve meals, pass out candy canes, and of course sing popular Christmas tunes! I also prize the moments when my family came together, danced around in the kitchen and made countless Christmas goodies and home-aid cards for our teachers, neighbors, Sunday school teachers, and friends.
Another Christmas tradition that most families did, and still do to this day, is drive out to the mall to wait in a long line to sit in Santa’s lap, reading out a detailed list of wishes one could only dream of. Walking away with a pleasant memory and a photo framed as a keep-sake. Well, that tradition was particularly special to me, because my very own dad dressed up as Santa Clause at The Hoover Commons Mall. He was, to me, the best Santa in the whole wide world. I absolutely loved that he did that! It was such a blessing to others. That may be the very reason that I love to dress up like princesses, story-book characters, and The Christmas Angel at special events and hospital visitations. My dad’s service, ministry, and prayers to God set an example for me, which paved a way for me becoming a servant of God.
Lastly, a memory that I will always cherish, was something that my mom did every year. Mom would always allow us to open up one Christmas present under the tree on Christmas Eve. She wrapped it up especially bright, so it made it all the more exciting. The gift was always a brand new pair of Christmas pajamas. We would put them on, snuggle into our beds, and she would read to us, “The Night Before Christmas.” As we fell asleep in our new p.j.’s, she would put on bright red lipstick and give us each a big sloppy kiss from "Santa Clause," of course.
We would wake up waaay too early the next morning to find our kiss from Santa and to see what gifts we had received. But before we could open any of them, we had to sing a very special song, to an exceedingly special Someone. “Happy Birthday”… to JESUS! My parents never let us to forget Who the true meaning of Christmas is all about.
The true meaning of Christmas is the birth of our sweet Lord.
He’s the reason for this season to be praised and adored.
May every Christmas remind you, to have faith and to believe.
And remember the greater blessing is to give than to receive.
Jennifer, thank you so much for stopping by! For more information about The Christmas Angel, you can connect with them on their website, Facebook, or Twitter. Also, be sure to check out my interview with Lisa Dorough, the creator of The Christmas Angel.
Jennifer is best characterized as a fun-loving, imaginative soul. She
is overjoyed to be a part of the creative team of The Christmas Angel.
She generates an animated energy, and offers a unique approach to life.
She is full of love, because she is full of Jesus. Her heart’s desire is
to glorify Christ in all she does. She has always had a passion for the
Fine Arts: music, dance, drama, poetry, and creative writing. Her dream
is to use her God-given gifts for His purpose. Jennifer is a graduate
from The University of Montevallo, with a Bachelor’s degree in
Performing Arts and Music. With her dedication to music and song
writing, she was able to produce her debut CD, two years ago. She
recently got married to the love of her life, Bryan, and she believes
God truly blessed them with a fairy-tale romance. They are members of
the Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster, AL. There, Jennifer is
involved in Westwood’s praise team and choir, the women and children’s
ministry, the drama program, and the missions ministry. Her goal in life
is to spread contagious joy, and let Christ’s love brilliantly shine
through her! Christ inspires her to express herself, through the writing
of her music, poems, and now story books for children. Her prayer is
that when you read this story to your children, you will catch a glimpse
of God’s amazing love, showering your family with many blessings. Jennifer also appears as the Christmas Angel character at book signings and special Christmas events.
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