“For unto us a child is born, to us a child is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6
Another Christmas has come. And as with every Christmas since the day I turned my life over to Christ, the more and more precious they become.
Many of us gathered today with our families to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Some of us did so without dear loved ones who passed over the past year. My mother, Linda, who passed back in June of 2021, loved Christmas more than anyone in the world. Every Christmas morning she would get up long before the sun would rise, read her morning Bible devotional, then begin her labor of love in the kitchen for the next several hours.
I learned so much from my mother, things that I couldn’t appreciate until I no longer had her around to talk to. She was such a strong, courageous and loving mom who instilled hope in all of us siblings. There was never a challenge too great, a concern too worrisome, or a situation too hopeless in her eyes. “Child, you turn this over to God and trust that He’s got you. Let Him wrap his loving arms around you and guide you through this storm, and know that I am ALWAYS praying for you.”
The love I have today for Christ, the reason why I love Christmas as much as I do today, was passed on to me by a mother who lived her life fearlessly and faithfully.
This afternoon as I was eating Christmas dinner with my family, I thought of just how much she would’ve enjoyed being here in our midst; celebrating, singing, laughing, and loving. Then I thought about how healthy and joyful she is today, celebrating this day in the presence of the very One who is the reason we celebrate this day here on earth…
Nah, I’d probably prefer to celebrate Christmas in Heaven, too.
Over 2000 years ago, Mary held the hope of the world in her loving arms. Today, let us hold Him in our hearts and love others they way He loves us.
I hope everyone who has taken the time to read my blog today is having an awesome Christmas Day today!
Former Blackout Artist 