Although yesterday’s posting was satirical there was some truth to it. Every since I married my wonderful bride, Christmas has become more and more special. For many years before meeting her it just didn’t have the same magic and consummate joy for me that it does her. Now eleven years later I think I can say that I’m finally coming close to how she feels about Christmas and I love it! (I know this makes her incredibly happy also.) For some reason this has already been one of the best Christmases ever. It’s not that we’ve done a whole lot more. In fact since I was playing with the Nutcracker I’ve probably done less than usual with the family. Hmmm, maybe playing all those shows did something. I’ll have to think about that.
Although we’ve not been able to give as much as we’d like I’ve probably put more thought into the things I am giving to my family this year and I wish I could do more. Plus I keep coming back to the thought that this is really not about gifts but about what’s in our hearts, and especially that we remember why we celebrate Christmas: to remember Jesus Christ’s birth and what a great gift that was for all of us, believer and non-believer alike. I think one of the most beautiful teachings of Christ is that everyone who’s ever lived or will live will be able to gain benefit from his infinite atonement. Because of this, no matter what situation we may be in this year, we all have something we can be thankful for and which can hopefully bring us peace. Peace: it’s what’s needed so much this year, not only in the world but in our hearts as well and I know that no matter what comes in our individual lives we can have this peace through Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope it is a peaceful and thoroughly enjoyable day.
