On this day after Christmas, I find myself reflecting. It’s been the perfect day for it, with rain pouring most of the day. It’s kind of like silent pondering after a busy time of celebration.
After almost thirty years of marriage, raising a son who no longer lives at home, Christmas time has changed a bit. This is also our third Christmas without my Dad. He loved this time of year and would have liked that Mom decorated two trees this year. She always does a beautiful job making her house look festive for Christmas.
We never really know how Christmas will unfold even with traditions. The week before Christmas our son was in Florida and we weren’t sure if he would be back in time for our Christmas Eve plans. With adult kids, you never really know how it’s all going to play out. Thankfully our son made it back in town just in time to join us and Grandma for the Christmas Eve candlelight service at Fort Mill Church of God. This was the church we raised Joshua in. We went there for seventeen years.
As we walked in we saw some familiar faces and got a few hugs. I was surprised that we each got a real candle. Mom signed for me. Well she tried her best as the Pastor speaks so very fast. It was an unusual Christmas Eve service but it was so very meaningful. I assumed we would sing the usual Christmas carols and hear the Christmas story. I was so moved by the worship. We gathered to celebrate Jesus birth and the music Pastor led us in beautiful anointed worship of Jesus our King. The Pastor spoke on Revelations 5. He brought it all together from Genesis to Revelations…. JESUS! We had communion then one by one everyone’s candle was lit as we sang O come let us adore Him. It was one of the highlights of this Christmas.
After the service we drove to Waffle House which is our tradition. Why Waffle House? It’s usually the only thing open but the place was packed. We did find a Mexican restaurant close by and had a nice dinner there, enjoying time with Grandma. We usually also ride around to see Christmas lights but Grandma was tired and Joshua was too. After a short visit at her house we headed home. Joshua spent the night with us.
The very best gift was spending time with our son. He always has a friend or two with him so it’s not often to get his undivided attention. Even though he was tired, we talked for hours. It was like old times and it was pure JOY!
Late Christmas afternoon, we went to Grandmas to meet up with my brother’s family and celebrate again. My two year old great niece was there and she brought such joy and smiles. She took her little baby doll into the study room to “change the diaper”. She had her little diaper changing cloth on the floor. As she looked up on the wall, she saw Great Grandpas golf ball collection and she wanted to see a few. Gigi (my Mom) got several down for her. She placed them on her diaper changing cloth. It was so cute. I know my Dad would have loved that. It’s the little things that bring a big smile to my heart.
So this Christmas is a wrap and it’s “one for the books”. It was wonderful! It’s not about the gifts that were exchanged. What made it extra special was the meaningful candlelight service, long talks with our son and time with family. Those things are priceless. My heart is full and I am truly thankful. I pray you all had a wonderful time of celebration and time spent with the special people in yours life.
If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.
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