For a lot of people, Christmas Day is their favorite day of the year. It isn’t mine. I’ve always fancied Christmas Eve a bit more. I’ve often wondered why and never really have figured out an answer, but I think I have one now.
It’s the anticipation.
It’s the knowing that what we’ve all been waiting for is now upon it. It’s almost here, mere hours away. No longer a wish, but a certainty.
In a life that promises doubt, certainties are treasures.
Today I will go about my normal Christmas Eve routine. There will be emails to send and a book to write. I’ve promised to help with cookies. And I’ll likely ready the truck for our annual drive to look at Christmas lights this evening.
And there are church services tonight, too. Can’t forget that. Because like Linus said, that’s what Christmas is all about. The birth of a baby boy who was God as much as man and heaven as much as earth. Who grew like we do and died so we’ll never have to really.
I’ll think of that today, too. Of the gift He gave. Of that great present still waiting for my unwrapping. Of the promise that one day I’ll be with the angels and those who have gone before me. And Him. Oh, the questions I will have for Him. I’ll likely think of those today, too. And I’ll also have in my mind a vision of my laughter when He answers them, and of me saying, “Of course, of course…”
It’s the anticipation, you see.
From my family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas. I wish you God’s abundant blessings and His eternal peace. May this Christmas be a seed that is planted in you, that sprouts and yields fruit to see you through the winters of your heart.
God bless us, every one.
