Traditions

It’s the morning of Christmas Eve. I’m sitting in my favorite coffee shop writing this. Something different from Christmas Eve’s of the past. (Just one of many things that are different these days.)

Up until a few years ago, Christmas Eve mornings found our home filled with family and friends as my wife would host our annual Christmas Eve Brunch. Barbara had a gift for hosting and making people feel loved and welcome. In fact, if she knew that you had no family or anywhere else to be, you were sure to be invited. She didn’t want people to be alone on this morning if they didn’t have to be. She wanted to provide a special time during the holidays, one they otherwise may not have. Gosh, I miss her heart.

Our last Brunch was four years ago. Three years ago, our youngest daughter had just passed away, and the holiday for us was a struggle, to say the least. Two years ago, Barbara’s health prevented us from being able to do all that we would have liked. And last year, well, I honestly don’t even remember what I did last Christmas Eve morning. (If you’re reading this and I was with you – I apologize. I’m sure it was wonderful. I was just in shock through the holidays last year.)

I recount all of this for a reason. In 2021, when we had that last great Christmas Eve Brunch, we didn’t know it was going to be the last. It was just the continuation of a great tradition. Family, friends, stories, laughter, great food… All the things that help make the holidays great. What’s more, I recently had some “memories” pop up on social media with pictures from that last brunch and Christmas season. Usually those memories make me smile, but not these. It made my heart hurt. Many of the people in the pictures are no longer really a part of my life. Some have moved away. Some have gotten divorced. Some have just drifted away from our family “orbit”. I was very grateful for the faces that are still a part of my world!

Two lessons to take from this. First, as you celebrate these next few days and into the next year, take nothing for granted! Not to be a downer but enjoy these days and events as if they will be your last. And second, enjoy the people who are around you. They won’t be there forever, either. Some friends are just for a season. Life happens and situations change. And sometimes God brings those close to you home, before you’re ready. (Not that you’re ever really ready.)

One more thought on that last part. Earlier this morning, I was thinking through what I was going to say in this space, and various holiday traditions. I was "talking with” Barbara about what we used to do on Christmas Eve night. One of our traditions was reading Luke Chapter 2, the Christmas Story, from The Bible. As I mentioned to her, “Well, you get to hear the Christmas story directly from Jesus tonight! It’s your second time!”, God immediately gave me a very encouraging vision. A Heavenly tradition, if you will. It was of Jesus speaking to everyone in Heaven that is experiencing their first Christmas there. And He said, “OK, now let me tell you how it REALLY happened!” Those who had heard it before were smiling, watching the reactions of those hearing it for the first time. (Note: I’m not claiming that there is anything wrong with how we understand the Christmas story, or that we should challenge it in any way. I also have a strong opinion that Jesus has a great sense of humor!) To me, the idea of Jesus sharing the perspective that only He could have of His birth, is pretty special.

And because God is so good, I also heard Him say, in my spirit, “Someday, you’ll hear this story firsthand, as well. And Barbara will be right beside you, hearing it with fresh ears, as she hears it for the first time, with you. Together.” Together.

So, this Christmas... Soak it all in. Enjoy every moment. Give someone – everyone – an extra hug. Tell people how much they mean to you. And celebrate that Jesus was sent to be Immanuel, God with us.

Merry Christmas Blessings Everyone