Christmas Eve Eve

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On the day before Christmas Eve, (of if you are reading this on Christmas Eve) the final touches for the big day become paramount.

Did you get a gift for your nephew?
Did you buy the eggnog your grandmother loves so much?
Did you wrap all the gifts, or did you hide some and forget where you put them?

It is as if you are about to go out on stage in a few moments.  The curtain is about to rise, and the show must go on.  All you want is for everyone to be happy and satisfied.  You want them to walk away talking about the great experience they had.  The exquisite flavor of the hot cocoa.  The smells of Christmas still clinging to their clothes.  The laughter shared together.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Much of what we do during the holidays is based on the traditions handed down to us from our parents and grandparents.  I remember the first time someone told me about the Christmas pickle.  Google it. I remember when we graduated from stringing popcorn to using tinsel on the Christmas tree.  There were certain Christmas dishes and desserts that family members would make, and I would enjoy.  The church would round up every kid and present a pageant every year.  There would be a Christmas cantata and sometimes a church Christmas party.  That was a long time ago.  

Now my family opens presents after arriving home from our Christmas Eve service. (Around 1 am,  Hey!  We get to sleep in.)  But before we open presents we read the Christmas story.  We remember why we celebrate this season.  My daughter opens her presents, and we emphasize that the most significant gift we have is our salvation and each other.  

What will Christmas be for you this year?  The hustle and bustle?  Do you need to start some new traditions in your household?  Enjoy this season and relish the gift of the lives that surround you.  Remember what God has done for you this year and give thanks.  

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, thank you for all you have done for me this year.  AMEN

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