December 25, 2022

Apologies – I wrote this yesterday and forgot to post it until today.  Please forgive me, I hope the meaning still feels the same.

I can imagine that many of you have been up for hours, watching your children and/or grandchildren delight in opening their gifts as you pick up the strewn wrapping paper from your living rooms, however, there are some of you spending a much different Christmas this year than you anticipated. 

Some of you are in your homes where all your grown children have moved forward with their newly found adult lives making your Christmas this year, not like those in the past.  There may be a strange silence this morning that hasn’t been there previously and as you rolled out of your beds this morning and wandered to the living room, I’m sure there is a strange void that you are feeling this morning from the silence.

Then there are some of you where this Christmas is much different due to the loss you sustained this year and although you get up each day and move forward there is a noticeable void in your day, a spot at the table that had previously been filled and empty place on the couch that was full last year.  I can only imagine that today is just another day of firsts, another first holiday without that special person and the sadness and pain that you are feeling underneath the smile on your face you are presenting for those around you.

Then there are some of us, who have a new perspective on what we are thankful for at Christmas because of the challenges that we faced in the past year, or past few years of our lives.  For whatever boat you are in, wherever you are in your life, know that wherever you are this Christmas whatever your challenges are, whatever your changes have been, whatever your new normal is, know that you are not alone, know that there are others sitting in your place and feeling the same emotions that you are.  Know that you are going to be okay.  Know that you are where you are supposed to be, even if you don’t understand it.

For me, today also represents the birth of our Savior, the baby Jesus.  A celebration like no other.  Today, many years ago, a child was born in a manger, a child who was sent to provide the ultimate sacrifice destined to one day die on a cross so that we/I can have everlasting life.  For years, Christmas and Easter have always been my favorite Christian holidays.  I don’t believe that I can ever truly understand the love that God feels for us that he sent his son to pay the ultimate sacrifice for me.  I am thankful each day that my life mattered so much to him and that I was worth that sacrifice.  I thought that I knew God’s love and faithfulness before, however, after this past year in my cancer journey, I experienced his love and his grace firsthand.  He carried me when I couldn’t carry myself and he covered me when I was unable to cover myself.  My prayers for you this Christmas are to know the same and truly feel his grace cover you each step of the way.

Xo,

Tracy