We’re in the “golden years” of Christmas. Our kids love the build up to Christmas, they love the traditions surrounding Christmas, they love the hymns we sing and to hear their squeal of joy after opening bandaids and snacks and new toys was pure joy.
And yet in the midst of so much goodness and so much to be thankful there is still a tinge of sadness. Sadness that our family joins via zoom and we still have no idea when travel restrictions will be lifted so we can physically see them, sadness that Japan celebrates Christmas so different than what we would prefer, sadness that Covid is still spreading throughout the world and altering plans for many we love, sadness for those around us who are suffering and grieving, and sadness that still this world we live in is not as it was created to be.But as Christians we know this is not the end of the story and this is not what we are left with.
So today in our reality of feeling both the bitter and sweet our family reflects on the hope that we celebrate today. Hope for the shepherds (lowly), hope for the wiseman (the educated and wealthy), hope for Mary and Joseph (the faithful) and hope for me and you.
I pray as you celebrate, whether in sadness or joy or a mix of the two like us, today you know you are not alone and this isn’t the “rest of the story.” I hope you too come to know and believe in the eternal hope given to you through the humble form of a little baby. The little baby we celebrate today. Born as a wonderful counselor, a Mighty God, an everlasting Father and a Prince of Peace.
“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
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