I have always loved the wonder of Christmas. When I was a teenager, my aunt gave me a Christmas music album by Andy Williams. I listened to this album over and over and over again. Each Christmas I would look forward to playing it as I decorated the Christmas tree. Sadly, it was taken by someone, inadvertently I trust, but I am still able to enjoy his music on YouTube. In fact, as I write, I am listening to the so familiar songs. Memories...so many wonderful ones!!
Yesterday, a friend and I were talking about Christmas hymns we love. Interesting that Oh, Holy Night is her favorite, as is mine! I also love Christmas movies, and just like hymns and other songs reserved for the Christmas season, I tend to watch them all year long. To me, Christmas is a day-to-day celebration, as the true meaning of Christmas is all about Jesus. Sometimes we forget about that as we get all caught up in the magic and wonder of the season. It is a beautiful time. Decorations, lights, gifts! What's not to love about that?! Candy, pie, cake, and all the yummy foods we love. Family and friends. Snow and snowmen! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, as Andy sings.
This year I purchased a fresh tree, a small Douglas fir. He's a bit rotund, but I had so much fun decorating it. I pulled out all the special ornaments my children made in grade school. Remember those? The bells cut out of green or red construction paper with the children's school photo glued in the middle. Homemade ornaments made with what was handy at the time. My children learned to improvise quite well. A gingerbread man cut from styrafoam, painted and decorated by my daughter. Although he's missing part of one leg, he remains on the front of my tree. How I wish the kids could see the tree up close and personal. Actually, I just messaged some photos to my son. Hopefully, he will smile and remember lighter days.
My mother and grandmother were always singing or humming, and I picked up the habit, much to the chagrin of some. Sometimes I am not even aware of doing it. I think it comes from a heart of joy...knowing Jesus. He's the Best Friend I have, one who loves excessively and unconditionally. This morning as I sat writing in my journal, talking to Abba, I remembered a song mama used to sing often. Perhaps you know it:
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank You, Lord, for making me whole,
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me,
Thy great salvation, so full and so free.
I miss my parents and grandparents. Although life is never perfect, as it was never promised to be, I do have a rich heritage. More importantly, I have a rich spiritual heritage. I never want to lose sight of that. So this Christmas season, as I am alone with my Best Friend, remembering the past year, I am so grateful for the memories I have to cherish and for the new ones He is birthing in my life. I have made it a habit since 2016 to write down miracles and blessings I encounter daily. Over the years, especially the years of being alone, I have witnessed personal miracles of health and healing, deliverance from memories and hurts. I am so very blessed for the amazing life I have been given. Regrets...yes, but for the first time in my life, they no longer hurt me and control my life. I have everything I need. And although there are still miracles I am waiting to see come to fruition, I know in Whom I have believed, and I know that He is more than able. He does indeed have a plan for me...for my family...for anyone who truly asks and trusts Him. I am learning much about what some call unanswered prayer. I know that He always hears, and He always answers. Perhaps, not as we'd like, but always for His purpose and good. I trust that...more each day. Even in the struggles.
This Christmas day I want everyone to know that Jesus loves you. He who is God was born in human form, in the most humble of circumstances, to a virgin who had to face the scorn of her neighbors for her unwed condition and the stigma of religious persecution, Joseph who listened to the angel as did Mary and did not fear, Jesus came to earth to give us the free gift of His Love and eternal life for all who receive Him as Savior and Lord. I hope this is the gift that is opened this Christmas day. May you be blessed in His Love.
