Thursday, December 24, 2009

"I am dreaming tonight of a place I love..."



I awoke this morning with an excitment and heaviness in my heart. It is hard to believe, but today is Christmas Eve. I remember when I was little, the anticipation of Christmas was almost overwhelming. I would dream of what was waiting for me under the tree and delight in the gifts I had chosen and wrapped for others. As I have grown older, the excitement has faded slightly and the focus has shifted. While I still enjoy giving and receiving gifts, I have realized the enormous beauty and blessing in time spent celebrating with the ones you love. Family, friends, traditions, and experiences have made my Christmases memorable. And still, this year I'm finding my focus has shifted yet again. While the reason behind the celebrations has always been Christ, this year the meaning holds a greater and more genuine significance. Family, friends, and traditions will not make this Christmas this year...distance won't allow it. But even when take away the parties, the traditions, the decorations, and even the warm fuzzies, you are still left with a child. He is the beginning, the end, and the unchangable reason we celebrate.

So Merry Christmas, friends and family! Know that my heart aches for and rejoices with you.

"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to ALL people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.."

4 comments:

Bentley said...

AMEN!

Richard Price said...

I enjoy your blog posts. I mean, I guess they aren't the worst things in the world. There are probably worse things out there. Somewhere...

Merry Christmas :)

Elizabeth Joy said...

Aww schucks, Richard, I'm touched. And you're right about there being worse things out there. I found this blog...something about "Richard in Prague" or something...and it's a total bore.

Richard Price said...

I know, right? And what kind of title is that? Might as well just call it "Blog"