Merry Christmas
Friday, December 25, 2009 at 07:43PM Christmas morning, 6 AM, I woke to a sweet kiss on the cheek and a little voice whispering in my sleeping ear, "Merry Christmas, mommy. I didn't get a baby brother but I think Santa brought me new shoes. Do you want to come see?"
With the first glimmer of dawn, our four excited kids surrounded the glowing tree, studying the packages beneath. Our family had gathered the night before, after a terrific Christmas Eve service and a lovely night with their Nana and Uncle Alan, to sing happy birthday to Jesus, a tradition we started many years ago to help the kids remember the true meaning of Christmas. Before opening their presents this morning, Buck read from the book of Matthew as we listened to the Christmas story.
Colton, who asked Santa for a one year-old baby brother, was noticeably disappointed by the absence of the sibling he fully expected to receive while everyone else was thrilled with the surprises that awaited them - it was a lovely, relaxing morning filled with peace, joy and gratitude. No bickering, no quarreling, no arguing, a wonderful Christmas blessing for any mom.
After playing with and setting up the new gifts, we loaded up for a trip to snow country and everyone was excited to be heading north. It was a quick trip and the kids were thrilled to see snow on the ground, with more forecasted during our stay. We warmed up the cabin while the kids played outside in the snow. Wade, who does all the cooking at the cabin, made a delicious Christmas dinner which we happily devoured.
I sit now to write, bundled by the fire with my cup of hot apple cider and Lily, our dog, snuggled warmly beside me, the kids all sprawled out on the floor playing their new board games, are laughing and enjoying the day. It's been a wonderful Christmas. Of course, we all miss Pop Pop, my dad, especially during seasons like this, but we are extremely grateful for all that he left us with and sure he's spending Christmas with the One who came, as a tiny baby, to that humble manger so long ago.
Merry Christmas!
Reader Comments (2)
sheila,
I hardly know how to tell you how much I love your writing. Every year I look forward to your Christmas letter, and I have such beautiful and fond memories of you and Wade and your precious children. I also remember some difficult moments we shared together with the loss of your first children. How beautifully you have embraced both loss and life, and now you are such an inspiration.
I feel you have such a gift, and wish you could find a Christian publisher you could work with. I know you have the ability to write and inspire others through your writings.
Thank you for sharing and being such a blessing. Give my love to Wade and your children....and also to your precious Mom.
Paula
What a welcome surprise to hear from you, Paula! Your very kind words are pure sunshine to my soul.....I will never forget that conversation you had with me at church, so long ago, about how you enjoyed my Christmas letter. I hold on to your encouraging words about my writing and hope that someday I might have something worthy of publishing - I look forward to giving you the first copy!
Yes, our introduction was during one of the darkest times in my life and Wade and I were so grateful for your pastoral guidance, your friendship and your love, which you so generously extended again when we lost my precious father, so unexpectedly. We are so thankful that we worship a faithful and mighty God who can turn such severe sadness into hope. Through the pain, which shapes and builds us, we have been so blessed with lives that are rich in what matters most in this life, while we look forward to our treasures in Heaven.
Wade sends his very best and I will pass along your wishes to my mom. Thank you for taking the time to look in our my blog and for commenting - it so made my day!
Many blessings, dear Paula.....