I love Christmas, and those who know me will testify that this is true. In fact, my three year old granddaughter this year said, “Mimi, you love Christmas.” My response was simple and emphatic when I replied, “Yes, I certainly do!” But, even though my love of this time of year is obvious to my family, they also know that I am ready to pack it all away when the celebrations are over. However, this year I know that something is different.
This year I don’t want to pack it all away. I want the essence of Christmas to remain not only alive in my heart, but visible in my home. Since this is not typical, I did inquire of the Holy Spirit why this year is different, and since He is faithful to bring us understanding, I have my answer.
This year has become a stone of remembrance for me. A year that has been marked with significance, and it will be a time that I will always remember. These are precious times for us when we can personally see that God is doing a work, and they are not to be forgotten. While there are so many personal moments that had significance, and although it is impossible to share them all, I can give you a glimpse into a few that were special.
God gives us strength when we need it most, and often we think of that in terms of spiritual, but I found myself with a physical toughness that was surprising. I have heard it said that you do what you may not feel capable of doing when you are pressed into it. So, when Jack landed in the hospital and I was stuck with a 9’ Christmas tree on the roof of my car, my initial thoughts were who will I call. But, once I got home I decided I would try to do it myself, and indeed I did! I took it off the car, carried it up the stairs into the house, and then proceeded to put it into the tree stand. As I look back I see that what should have been hard was effortless in comparison. I know that God gave me the physical strength to do what I typically would not be able to do.
Throughout the time that Jack was in the hospital, awaiting open heart surgery, I was able to go home and ready us for Christmas. It was a time when the Lord spoke to me of many things, and we dealt with any reservations that I had regarding the surgery. As I was putting out our nativity sets He was speaking of Immanuel, God with us. While I was putting out the stockings for six grandchildren, He was telling me that they are an inheritance from Him. And when I put the angel on the top of the tree, something that Jack always does, He was telling me that all would be well.
God gave me the assurance I needed to face this time, as He brought His face into focus. After all, He is the good good Father, and He sacrificed His Son for you and me.
I will eventually put Christmas away, but for now I will continue to delight in the revelation Christmas is intended to give us, and I will praise God.
John 1:14 CSB The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.