This year I haven't been to a single Christmas party. I haven't wrapped a single Christmas gift. I haven't baked any Christmas goodies. I haven't burned any Christmas candles. This year I haven't delivered any neighbor gifts. I haven't attended any Christmas concerts. I haven't hung any stockings (hopefully we can find them in one of the boxes tonight!) I haven't even seen my Josh Groban Christmas CD!
As I prepare to join my family for the Christmas Eve festivities in just a few minutes, I find it ironic that I feel the Christmas spirit so profoundly in the absence of all of the things that I usually associate with Christmas.
Christmas is always a magical time of year, but this year we witnesses an unforgettable Christmas miracle. To have our Isaac home for Christmas is more than we dared hope for. Having my family together and home for Christmas is evidence of a loving and merciful and personal God who hears and answers prayers. Having my family together and home for Christmas makes me eternally thankful for a God who loves us enough to send His only Son to be our Savior.
Since I heard it sung at the hospital on Sunday, I have thought of the third verse to "Away in a Manger" as a prayer. As we move toward recovery, and pray for God's continued blessings of protection and healing, these words are so close to my heart. I have come to know that some of the difficult things we face in this life help to fit us for the kingdom of heaven. I have felt the real and literal love of my Redeemer. I have felt, and been the beneficiary of others who have felt, the true meaning of Christmas this year.
"Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay
close by me forever and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care
and fit us for heaven to live with thee there."
2 comments:
Merry "late" Christmas! I'm so glad Isaac got to be home for it, such a wonderful blessing and an answer to so many prayers:)Yay!!
I have so enjoyed reading your blog through all of your trial. You have such a great way with words and this will be so good for you to reflect back on when needed. I am so glad that your cute boy and you are home with the rest of your family and that you are so blessed.
Post a Comment