Christmas

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

This Christmas season has not been easy for me.  Christmas is a time to be with family and share the joy of the season.  My family endured a lot this year and this has caused sadness.  But I think being aware of the sadness makes you more appreciative of the blessings.  In the last couple days I’ve been blessed.

This week was surprisingly brutal as far as the workload was concerned.  I have six unwritten evaluations on my desk simply because there was so much need to see kids, keep up with insurance requirements, and meet a project deadline.  In the madness I received encouragement each step of the way from none other than the little ones I’m there to serve.  Several families brought me gifts or cards; more than I’ve ever received before.  The words - I appreciate you and what’ you’ve done for my child - written on the cards brings little tears to my eyes.  The double whammy is when the child signs the card.  One little boy wrote his own message of the thanks.  Admittedly I have a particular attachment to him and was really touched when the week previous he asked completely straight faced, “do you like jewelry?”  I get sick of writing evaluations but I’ll do it for moments like these.

Last night I went to church and I really appreciate the simplicity of sharing the Christmas story at Christmas Eve service.  I enjoy singing Christmas carols and lighting the candles as we sing, Come, O, Come Emmanuel.  Growing up this was always my favorite tradition.  I feel grounded with the reminder of where this all began.  

Today more than anything I look forward to time with my nephew, Max.  He’ll be two in January and still doesn’t quite get it.  Although, my sister says he’s quite enthralled with the Christmas tree.  Christmas to me is a time for kids.  I also think it’s a time for good will.  Another moment that brought me to tears was witnessing the reunion of a little boy and his dad after he got lost at the mall yesterday.  He decided to leave the mall and walk down State Street until a woman pulled off and directed him into the Starbucks.    Several people in the Starbucks built a productive barricade around him as we decided how to handle the situation.  Less than ten minutes later his dad pulled up in a police car.  I can’t imagine the emotions they felt.

But, most of all it’s a time to celebrate the birth of a savior.  That’s one thing I sure am thankful for in my life.  The prayer in the verse at the beginning of this entry is only possible because of today.  Relient K sings a song that I love called, I Celebrate the Day that clearly describes this in their final lines.  It’s a really good song.

Merry Christmas and here’s to many great memories with the kids in your life.