So much sadness seems to be evident around Christmas time. The recent loss of a loved one. The memory of a loved one enjoying Christmas. Family and treasured friends separated by time and space. Relationships that are no longer are fostered. Marriages that have fallen apart. Children that are grown and forget to call home once in awhile. Grown children who have walked away and have never turned back. So much heart hurt. And Christmas seems to make it hurt even more.
Personally, our Christmas is full of family, but a bit on the quiet side. Christmas Eve celebrated with my husband's family and Christmas Day with my family. We are very fortunate that most of our family all lives in the Twin Cities local area. We are able to enjoy a Christmas meal with each other, catch up with loved ones and indulge in treats aplenty. We will celebrate as a family of 4 on Christmas morning and open stockings and a few presents.
I find myself missing my mom so very much. She passed away almost 6 years ago at the very young age of 67. I miss her love of Christmas. Her ability glorify the Lord in all she said and did. I miss her love of making banana bread and Christmas chocolates. I miss her love of reading Christmas books to my kids. I miss her hugs and hand holds. I miss her words of encouragement, and her ability to know when to be quiet and just listen. I miss that this was her favorite time of year and she always took the time to tell everyone she met why it was so amazing.
A baby was born in Bethlehem. A baby that grew to be a King. A King that died on the Cross for our sins. A man that rose again and promises to return. The Glory of Christmas is found in the birth of one small baby. Christmas isn't about presents and Santa. It isn't about perfect wrapping and Christmas cards and letters. And it surely isn't about anything material. But it is about celebrating the birth of the most amazing baby. The King of Glory. The King of Kings. Our Savior and King.
My mom taught me this. My mom taught everyone who would listen this very important lesson. Christmas begins and ends with Christ. When my focus is on Christ, my heart hurts a little less. Enjoy your family and your friends. Always treasure these times together as they are so precious and few. I will continue to share stories of my mom with kids and family. I will share about the horrible Christmas meal she made one year that left us all in fits of laughing tears. Or the time she hid our presents so well, she forgot where she put them. However, what I will share most is her love of the Savior, The King of Glory. Because Christ is always the only important focus of this holiday we celebrate.
Merry Christmas!
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