And now, mail resumes, banks re-open, some people go back to work, and I heave a sigh of contentment for another wonder-filled Christmas, come and gone. Matt and his family, my brother Richard and sister-in-law Linda were here. It was a happy time of visiting and eating, and reflecting on God’s Word. Each year, Matt asks me to read the story of the birth of Jesus from Luke 2. That story is the reason for our celebration and our day would not be complete without it.
When I called Matt on Christmas morning, I said, “Christmas gift.” And, funny thing, when I called my brother Tracy, he said, “Christmas gift.” Why? That’s the way Dad always greeted us on Christmas. In fact, when we called him or he called us, that’s the first thing he would say. When he was a child, that was their custom. It was just a fun thing that he and his brothers and sisters would say. The first one who greeted the day with those words would get all the gifts meant for the others. Now, they wouldn’t really, but it was a tradition. Funny thing, I kept reminiscing all day about things Dad would say. I guess it was a way of trying to keep him with us.
I love the tradition of the candlelighting service on Christmas Eve. I go with Matt and Dawn and the children so we can worship as a family. Then, it’s back to eat the supper Dawn and Sara have prepared, then gift opening. Dawn started the tradition of breakfast at their house on Christmas morning and that begins the day right! Of course, watching Sara and Nathan open all those gifts really makes the day bright. If Christmas were a tree, my grandchildren would be the ornaments. No, they are more than that–they are a reflection of the innocence and wonder of that first Christmas and the Child who was sent to us.
In many countries, this is Boxing Day, and I don’t mean it’s a time when we put on gloves and solve all our differences with combat. The day after Christmas is a day when some people give gifts to those who serve them on Christmas Day and throughout the year. The gifts are boxed and, I suppose that’s where the name comes from. I’ve read that this day was also named for St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
And, speaking of traditions, Dawn has a neat saying which she tries to apply to Christmas gifts: “something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” I think that is a really good thought.
Once again, cars are zipping along I-540. Once again, my fireplace blazes and I enjoy that first cup of coffee. Christmas 2013 is past, a time of gratitude, reflection, and worship. It is time to bundle up the year with its goods and bads, its highs and lows, ask God to forgive us of mistakes and sins of this year, thank Him for His many blessings, and look forward to another year, with hope and faith in the One who is Lord of us all.
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