Holidays

You know what I loved about this season? Other than the hundreds of songs that I can sing along to in my car. I love the magic. (Especially if you stay away from department stores.)

The glistening of twinkle lights.The baking. The giving of gifts. The idea that each day is made brand new and made clean by the newly fallen snow. The red and green decorations. The joy on children's faces. The faith that comes out in the expressions of joy shared. The idea that the worst parts of the world will fade for just one day - even if its just for a moment. Its magical. I never lost that magic feeling of the season.

But then you grow up, you get old. If you are familiar with the Polar Express - your bell stops ringing. How does this happen? Is it because we loose focus on what the real reason of Christmas time is? Is it because we get caught up in the buying and the receiving of presents? I don't know what the defining moment was for me, but somewhere, somehow, I didn't want to hang decorations on the tree or put up the bows on the house.The magic is gone.

Christ was born. His life was the greatest gift anyone could ever receive. This year has been a culmination of really difficult moments. It has been hard. However in the midst of it all I rediscovered what God's love, mercy and peace can bring. I am not certain I will ever get the magic of Christmas back. But I do know that I am incredibly thankful to have a God who can sacrifice His son so that I can have Hope.