I was reading a Christian blog this morning and the author
was talking about how quickly time flies by between Christmases each year. She
went on to say how cold and empty her house felt after the tree was stripped
and decorations were packed away. I have to say I have a totally different take
on that. I love the tree and decorations, too, but come the day after Christmas
and I want all that stuff packed away. I want my house back. It’s not cold and
empty to me; it’s more a fresh start, a clean pallet, if you will.
Yesterday I was blessed to have family gathering with my
kids and grandchildren. As I sat rocking my 3 month old granddaughter, Lily, holding
her close to me I could not help but think of Mary holding Baby Jesus. I
imagine she rocked Him, too. That, my Friends, is Christmas, celebrating the
birth of Jesus.
Looking out at my family gathering in a large circle as
parents collected their little ones by their sides so gifts could be passed out
to the children, I was overcome with emotion. Our circle is larger these days
and I love it! Little Isaiah helped Uncle Daniel pass out gifts and he loved
taking them to the recipient. He wasn’t asking for a gift for himself, just delighted
in passing them out. Little Jacob opened a gift and his face was enchanting as
he held it up saying, “It’s for me, it’s for me!” That’s how I felt, too. “It’s
for me, Lord. It’s for me! You sent Your Son as a babe to live and die for me.”
The greatest gift of all time was born on a cold night long ago for me and for
you. A Father and Son, the first family, gave all for all and it happened the
first Christmas.
As a grandparent I am doubly blessed because I have the pleasure
of watching my babies bask in the glow of the faces of their babies. All the
decorations transform our rooms into colorful, almost magical places for a
short time. It’s part of the celebration. But let’s not lose sight of the fact
Baby Jesus grew up. The Gift of His life and death is the original gift that
keeps on giving. It is the only gift of lasting value, one to share and pass
down from generation to generation.
It’s the part of Christmas that isn’t packed away. It’s the
part of Christmas that isn’t tied to how much money is spent, or where you are
or who you’re with or what the menu includes. It’s what makes Christmas…Christmas!
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