Christmas Gratitude – The Way Forward

December at our house is usually one long celebration. My birthday on December 10, followed by our wedding anniversary a week later serves as preludes to Christmas and New Year’s.

Since David is an educator, normally there are seasonal and end-of-semester activities at his school.  Most years there are robust church activities as well.

This year, 2024?  At the time of this writing,  we have not made definite plans.  I have bought Christmas cards to get them out early this year.

Yet, the core, the fundamental reason for the season has not changed:  to honor, remember and be grateful for Jesus:

• A baby born the way all babies are born, except of a virgin.
• A baby who grew in wisdom and stature took first steps, knew hunger, hurt, and all manner of pain.
• Who attended Hebrew school and learned a skill as a carpenter from his earthly dad.
• God with us acquiring knowledge, understanding, and insight – all which He had possessed before joining mankind and set aside to walk with us.
• The unchangeable One yet joined us and remains with us in our journey.

With that unchanging foundation, we can celebrate.  We CAN be grateful.  The “how” we celebrate is not the point, the “why” and “who” is.

Moving Forward In Christmas Gratitude

• decorate, remembering Christmas abroad as we unpack the multitude of ornaments acquired as ex-pats
• listen to Christmas music on our devices as well as the vinyl record albums of my childhood.
• exchange gifts so we can use the gift tags acquired in Europe

We will no doubt Zoom, facetime and talk on the phone with friends and family.  There will be church gatherings.  If the weather cooperates I will go for some crisp winter flights.

We will:

• celebrate our 47 years together as a couple and make plans for the next 40 or so.
• rejoice that 2024 has been a great year of resets and restarts
• take joy in that we are safe, well, and whole.