MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
"Reasons We Love Christmas"
10. Presents and Stockings
9. Decorating the Tree
8. Playing in the Snow
7. Rudolph, Snoopy and the Grinch
6. Baking (& Frosting)
5. Cards and Music
4. The Church Program
3. Warm Homes, Conversations and Reflections
2. Time with Family and Friends
1. Jesus's Birthday!!
Every year at Christmas it seems a song jumps out at me and this year it has been "Sometimes Christmas Makes Me Cry." The words talk about tears of every kind and as I reflect on the year, we've shed them all. There have been many joys - J.D. starting school and learning to read, Joy living up to her name and filling our home with smiles, Jaylyn taking on the role of comedian and constantly making us laugh, great memories with family and friends and a safe, successful year on the farm.
There have been tears of pain as well - both J.D. and Joy took some falls when the training wheels came off and Jaylyn has done the same with her constant desire to keep up, we've said, "Good-bye" to Grandma Biwer and Dorothy, our fish too, we've watched family and friends go thru sickness and struggles and had some down times ourselves as well.
But ultimately, the tears at Christmas come when we really thin about the reason for the season. Like the song says, "we cry tears of hope" because regardless if life is good or times are tough, the greatest gift has already been given and it offers peace. Years ago, on the first Christmas morning, the giving began when Jesus was laid in the manager and 33 years later the gift was complete when He went to the cross. God's present isn't wrapped with a bow, but eternal life is ours when we accept what He has to offer. So like the song says, "I think of Mary and the virgin birth, and I'm amazed at how much God thinks we're worth, that He would send His only son to die and sometimes Christmas makes me cry."
We pray you have a blessed holiday season and though sometimes Christmas makes us cry, it always reminds us of His love. May God bless you in 2009!
Blessings,
Job, Jill, J.D., Joy and Jaylyn
3 comments:
Merry Christmas, Jill!
Jill-you have been through a lot but He has carried you and been right beside you. Even more reson to celebrate Him don't you think.
Seasons blessings!!
In His Graces~Pamela
Your post is so full of truth, Jill. We have shed those same tears at my house as well. Tears of joy, tears of hope, tears of pain... and everything in between.
God's love and sacrifice for someone like me always tends to bring tears to my eyes. I am so undeserving... and He is so giving. More than I can comprehend. But... ever-so grateful for His love and mercy.
Blessings,
Lynn
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