I love Christmas—it revives memories that rekindle the warmth of special moments in my life. The giddy anticipation of a small child eager to see what was under the Christmas tree. The shocked amazement to see that Santa Claus had eaten half of the cookie we left out for him (he never ate the whole cookie and never drank all the milk).
I can remember the dismay at finding clothes in the gift boxes and the absolute glee to find toys and games. But this special occasion was always a time of family togetherness. I would see grandma and grandpa, aunts and uncles, and cousins. We would experience genuine joy in the reunion of familiar faces that had been separated by miles but still held close in our hearts.
That special day was unlike any other all year long. We gave and received gifts, we ate past the point of decency, we played all sorts of games (with the adults always letting the kids win!), and then we collapsed on the sofa to watch football and to watch grandma fall asleep. The holiday would come to a close and I can remember crying as a small child when grandma and grandpa drove away. Good-byes were the worst part of Christmas. Many of these loved ones are with the Lord and again I cried as I said good-bye to them.
But I know I will again experience that warm family reunion with them because of Christmas, because of the gift of a Savior. This was a gift (wrapped not in pretty paper, but wrapped in flesh; given not by men, but given by God; not place under a tree, but hung upon a tree) that turned my Christmas memories into Christmas hope. I will again experience the hugs and kisses of loved ones. But it is with the giddy anticipation of a child I look forward to seeing with my own eyes the Supreme Gift—Jesus Christ my Savior. Merry Christmas and I’ll see ya there.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given
~Isaiah 9:6
stkaallen 