PRECIOUS TIME...
So they're all here. Well, almost all...not quite everyone could make it - we'll miss you, Tony, Jen, and Brandon! In contrast to a "smaller than usual" Thanksgiving gathering (for which we only had 22 people), we have a "larger than usual" Christmas dinner planned. In fact, for the first time ever, we're not having the meal at anyone's house. With 47 people, none of us has enough room! Justin was able to secure use of the fire hall, so we'll have lots of space to enjoy the time together.
And that enjoyment is a good portion of what it's about. Yes, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and though we don't know whether that actually occurred in December, we do know that it happened. Yes, we worship God for sending His Son in the perfect redemptive plan, a plan that was in existence long before Christ was incarnate.
In a tangible way, we can express our love for God by demonstrating it to those around us. Whether by hugging those who drove in from Ohio or Pennsylvania (or even Saranac Lake), or by letting one of the younger ones sleep on my belly whenever he wants to, or just by watching the kids burn off all of their excess energy, being there is great fun, and the time together is something we never want to end. Of course, we all know that the days will arrive later in the week when these "adult kids" must return to their own homes, but for now we're just pretending that's not true!
Today, tonight, and tomorrow, we're all kids again, and this is home. What must happen Wednesday and thereafter need not be mentioned now.
Have a great Christmas eve, and a very merry Christmas. I know we will.
4 comments:
A BEAUTIFUL POST! I agree one hundred percent, and the older I get the more I appreciate these special times! Many things about this season bring me to tears, just happy tears about how blessed I am, and how thankful I am to have been born to the parents that I was born to, and to be a part of this wonderful family!
Love you lots!
Well, I finally got some computer time and wanted to add my sentiments to what you said. When I am grousing about the snow and cold weather I often wonder, "Why do I live in northern NY?" The reason is my family! I realize that some of them are no longer here, but I still equate Massena with family. And I agree -- that's what this season is all about!! Love you!
Don, you excelled again in expressing sentiments about Christmas - the reason, and the relationships. God has certainly blessed me with a wonderful family through my dear sister and brother. I feel cherished by all of you who seem almost like my own "kids" :-) Thank you all for all you do for me, not only at Christmas, but year around. Love you all oodles!
Yes, odd as it may sound... after living in Cincinnati for over five years... I always tell people that I am going "home" to N.Y. for the holidays. Unfortunately my visit home was much too short this year. I'll have to remedy that next Christmas season. But, I enjoyed every minute of it. Love you guys. :-)
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