Hi Family, Merry Christmas Day to each of you. It's a beautiful day, even with the cold and snow; each day we're given can be beautiful, it just depends on our attitudes and how we see what's been given to us by Almighty God.
And this day is a gift from Him! Many have already had little ones wake them from a sound sleep this morning to see if Santa really did come last night. Those folks may be taking a much-needed nap by now, or at least planning on one a bit later in the day. I remember those days ... when Dave & Shawn were little guys and couldn't wait 'til Christmas Day to open gifts and stand awed that the old man in the red suit had indeed been to our house. Truthfully, I think they both figured out who Santa really was long before they let us know. Why spoil a good thing?
I remember George & I lying in bed with younger siblings, trying to convince them that Santa WAS real and he WAS coming to our house, if only they would be quiet and go to sleep. We all knew he couldn't come if kids were awake. One night in particular, as George & I finally had the younger ones sleeping, we heard something on the roof. Honest to goodness, we did. We laid there, almost afraid to move and whispered "Did you hear that?" "Yeah, I heard it ... what was it? Was that bells? Was it?" We were the ones then convinced that somehow, the man called Santa HAD indeed been to our house!
I also remember the year that Uncle Buss & Aunt Jane were Santa for us. Had it not been for them, there wouldn't have been gifts at all that Christmas. We had some challenging times growing up and if we choose to, we can linger way back there and let it affect us still today in a very negative way. What I've learned is that the best thing we can do is realize the rough places can serve to make us humble and thankful if we'll let them. I bet you thought I would say they'd make us stronger, didn't you? I used to think that, but from my perspective at this time in life, I see that they've done just the opposite. They've helped me see my need of Someone who IS strength ... I can't do it by myself ... all I accomplish in any given day comes from Him. And for that I am thankful. For the past and it's trials and joys and tears and laughter, I thank Him; and for the now and all it holds ... trials and joys and tears and laughter, I thank Him. We'll not escape any of those while we're on this earth.
What we can do is look to Christ and ask His help to get through each trial that comes our way. We can ask Him to forgive us and guide us as we do the best we can with what we've been given.
We can thank Him for His undying love for His children and His promise to see us safely Home when this life here is ended.
I pray for each member in my family ... my first prayer is that all will come to a saving, living faith in Christ Jesus. My second is that He will supply all your needs; that you and your children and grand-children will be kept safe and shielded from harm. That He will be your source of joy and that knowing Him will be the greatest gift you'll ever receive. I pray that you will grow in the grace and knowledge of the Creator and Sustain-er of the universe and be in awe of His greatness, majesty and glory.
As you go through today, take time to remember the Who and Why we celebrate. Without the birth of Christ, all those years ago, this would simply be another day on the calendar. Each time you look at a calendar, remember that, will you? He is the Reason ... not just for this season ... but for everything!
Merry Christmas ... I love you all,
Louise
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