Whenever this time of year comes around, my mind wanders to the carefree days of childhood, snuggled under warm covers while listening to Bing Crosby.
One of the strongest memories I have is being in Japan with my family, eagerly awaiting my grandparents’ arrival at our house. Many times they made the trip from Florida to our apartment in Kobe and my sister and I would count the days until they came.
My grandma was (and still is!) a whiz at crossword puzzles, so I always made sure to have several books on hand. She always brought homemade gifts for us (in fact, if you ever meet her she will probably tell you about the
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Thanks for the reminder that, “He isn’t bound by a string of lights or a date on the calendar.” Amen!
I’m so very grateful for all He’s given me.
Merry Christmas, Angie!
I didn’t know you grew up in Japan. I did too, and have similar fond memories of my Grandma’s visits. My parents are with Cadence International http://www.cadence.org (was named OCSC – Oversears Christian Servicemens’ Centers – when I was a kid) and we opened our home year-round to lonely hearts to hear about Jesus. Christmas was often an emotional time for military members far from home.
I haven’t made it to your blog in a while (followed you closely and prayed for you daily for quite some time after your sweet daughter’s death) and while I know you will always miss her until the beautiful reunion of heaven, I happily surprised to read of another blessing on the way for you. {hug}
P.S. Just started following you on Twitter. :)
I am so blessed by all that God has done for our family this year. He is Christmas all year in my heart. But I truly get what you said about the season being over so soon. Blessings and prayers for all this Christmas.
How beautifully said. Sometimes I feel a little down once Christmas is past and we head into the new year. Looking back at all that is behind leaves me sad. Thank you for sharing! Christ is the reason and because of Him – our future is bright!
Beautifully written. I also have a post-Christmas let-down most years. We spend a month leading up to one day, and when it’s all said and done, you’re like what now? I know I won’t have much time to myself in the next few weeks, but thanks for the reminder that time with God is what’s important.
As I was reading this, the thought popped into my head: Christmas, like the new year, is a beginning. It was the beginning of God as a human. God’s salvation plan set into motion. That is something to keep celebrating!
I can tell you’re not a knitter…. saying that knitting something takes hours, to a knitter’s ear, is saying that it didn’t take very long. All knitting projects take hours :) The big ones take months and even years.
What a beautiful post and one I needed to read this morning! I pray you have a wonderful Christmas and YES we need to remember the True meaning of Christmas!!
Amen! Don’t leave it at the manger. That was just the start! Keep Christmas in your heart.
Merry Christmas Angie!
Wylie
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
I love your heart…
I believe that Christmas does not end… the gift of Christmas blesses us 24/7/365. Each Christmas is the beginning of a new year of celebrating Christ, not an end.
I too, am reminded that our daughters aren’t here to celebrate their tenth and fifth Chritmases. It is bittersweet: knowing that there should have been twice the kids around the Christmas tree on Christmas morning, yet rejoicing in awe that they celebrate Christmas in the arms of Jesus Himself and that He is telling them the story of His birth, in person.
Thank you for the timely reminder. With love and blessings,
Cxx
Great post! I think you captured the reason for the season!
I always go through a little Christmas mourning too. Just last night I was thinking how sad I am that it’s almost over and then I told myself to snap out of and enjoy it while it’s here! I like your perspective on it!
Aw, this couldn’t have been more perfect! I am right there with you, always saddened by the end of Christmas, but will most definitely try to hang onto your perspective. Thanks you and Merry Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family!
Thanks for the great post! I love that even though Christmas comes and goes each year, the reason and truth behind Christmas is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
His Presence, indeed! I need that so badly. Emmanuel, God with us. His blessings be with your family today.
Beautiful post, Angie…hope your Christmas was merry and that you are blessed in the coming year.