Christmas Greetings and a Giveaway Reminder

I didn't have anything new to show you for today but I didn't want to miss the opportunity of greeting my dear blog friends from Paint Party Friday, Studio Sneak Peek, Show and Tell Saturday and Brag on God Friday,  a very joyful and blessed Christmas season!  You have been an encouragement to me this past year and I just want to thank you and wish you all a wonderful holiday season.  My painting is an ATC I made some time ago but since it is a Madonna and Child, I thought I would share with you.  After all, in the midst of all the busyness of the season, Christmas is really all about the birthday celebrant, Jesus Christ.  

Today I celebrated my birthday (December 24) in the Quezon City Jail.  It is my way of celebrating Jesus' birthday too.  Jesus said, "But when you give a feast, invite the poor..." (Luke 14:13)  and "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40).

Most of the inmates here are innocent but are waiting for their hearings.  They cannot afford bail.  Sometimes even their families don't visit them anymore and they are so happy to have us come to visit them.  Sometimes, when we are so comfortable, when we have everything we need, we easily forget people like these.  But what joy there is in bringing joy to the poor, the sick, the aged, the lonely, those in prison.  And how inspiring to see their faith in the midst of their trials.  May this Christmas season be a time of love, hope, generosity and joy for all of us.

And, a reminder that if you haven't yet, there's still time to join my giveaway for a chance to win my original art!  Just leave a comment on my giveaway post.