Why all things work together for good?

All things (even the worse things) work for good because of who God is. He is our "Father" (see Rom. 8:15), therefore whether He spanks (admonish) us or smiles (bless) us - it is for our good.
"To them who are called..." - every born again believer is 'called.' We don't do the calling, much like we don't do the 'saving.' What really got me is the description 'to them that love God.' This is something amazing. Do I live a life that exhibits this character trait? The pharisees were rebuked by Jesus not because of what they said but because of what they did (or did not do). In other words, they had no problem saying things but not really living out what they assert (hence Matt. 15:8).

Christmas is not exclusively a happy story

Part of the story involves the murder of children 2 years old and under, as commanded by Herod in Matt. 2:26, this also fulfills the prophecy of Jeremiah (31:15). As sad and as horrible as this event is, God is still good and in control: Herod was unsuccessful in trying to kill the new born King of the Jews, the wise men escaped Herod, the children that were slaughtered are in the presence of God today! AND Jesus accomplished His excellent work of salvation on the cross of Calvary and beyond Joseph's tomb.

Sometimes it helps us to remember that even in hard times God is good and is always in control.

Celebrate Christmas!

The incarnation of God's eternal Son is a miracle worth celebrating. The Bible teaches us that the heavenly host celebrated, the shepherds celebrated, the wise men (sooner or later) celebrated, Simeon and Anna celebrated. The only ones who had a 'cow' about Christmas were the herodians (of course that means Herod especially). Which crowd do you belong to? As for me and my house we will celebrate and have celebrated Christmas!!!
FURTHERMORE...When the Word was made flesh, God participated in fleshly things, therefore celebrating Christmas involves "things" - Put up the Christmas tree, the stockings, the wreaths, the bells and the lights, afterall Christians are the only ones in the world that do have the right to celebrate Christmas! In the first Christmas God gave unto us his 'unspeakable gift' 'wrapped in swaddeling clothes.' Therefore make sure you give and give generously a wonderful gift to someone - it is a Christian trait to be giving! Could you imagine going through the Christmas season without Jesus Christ (I mean not being 'in Christ' or not being born again). NO WONDER some people don't like the hussle and bussle of Christmas - - they are attempting to observe a holiday that is unique to Christians only. Here they forget about the 'good tidings of great joy.' I love Christmas, I think Christians should celebrate and make it BIG, and special...exhibit 'great joy' and I mean GREAT JOY!!!
DONT LET THE CHRISTMAS SEASON PASS WITHOUT CELEBRATING JESUS CHRIST!