“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” - Agnes M. Pharo
It is tenderness for the past...
For me Christmas is a time for reflecting on the past year and thanking God for the year he’s given me and my family. So many things have happened in 2008: we elected a new president, Galveston was struck by a hurricane, gas was up to $4 a gallon and down to less than $1.50 all within six months. Even though the global economy may be falling apart all of us can still find things we’re thankful for. In my family there has been rough times but God also blessed my sister-in-law with three beautiful children, my parents entered retirement, and my wife and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary.
Courage for the present...
At Christmas not only do we reflect on the past and look forward to the future but we also take time to exit the great race and enjoy what’s in the present. We spend valued time with family and friends. This Christmas we will spend a week with my in-laws and friends. When we wake up on Christmas morning we’ll gather in the living room in our pajamas. We’ll reflect on the Christmas story and then exchange gifts. I enjoy sitting there in the present watching as everyone shares in the birth of Jesus Christ and the exchanging of gifts.
Hope for the future...
As Christmas draws to a close and we enter the New Year’s holiday we look forward to the future. We set our resolutions that will inevitable be forgotten by Easter. I’ve never been one for setting resolutions but I still have my hopes for the future. I set my sights on the things that I want to achieve in the new year and my hopes for family and friends.
During this holiday time may your cups overflow and your path lead to peace.
Remember the Reason for this season. Jesus was sent to save everyone. He entered as a baby and left a savior. May you and your family have a very merry Christmas!
