Archive for December 22nd, 2009

Bear with me as I go off topic from writing in this blog post, but I have something on my heart I must share.

As I write this with Christmas just days away, I am struck by the difference I feel this Christmas.  I have had Christmases that were different before.  There were two Christmases that were difficult after losing a loved one.  There was a Christmas spent in the hospital waiting to see if another loved one would pull through — and by the grace of God she did.

This Christmas is different in a better way, though.  This Christmas I have a daughter.  This Christmas I understand parental love.  I have always marveled at God sending His Son, knowing that He would have to die for our sins.  And I would think how I couldn’t imagine giving up a loved one like that.  I struggled to imagine even giving my beloved dog for that reason.  Now I look at my daughter’s precious face, and I know I couldn’t do it.  I don’t have that kind of love in me like God does.

I think about Mary and how she spent hours feeding baby Jesus and changing his diapers, just as I am doing with my daughter now, and I am breathless to think how she must have felt to see him hanging on the cross.

And I think about the cross.  I have always been grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice.  I have always been thankful for God’s faithfulness and love even when I fall so short.  But I am so much more grateful that He did those things for my daughter.  I want only the best for her.  I know He is the best, and I am so thankful that He was willing to give Himself for her.  I am awestruck that He loves her even more than I do.  I don’t think it’s possible, and yet I know it is because He is God.

So this Christmas will be different.  I will enjoy time with family.  I will enjoy giving and receiving gifts.  I will enjoy good food.  I will especially enjoy holding my baby girl.  But more than anything, I will be more thankful for the ultimate gift given to us in God’s Son.

May you have a joyous Christmas!