When I was a child, I looked forward to Christmas because I knew Santa would visit and also I looked forward to reading the Christmas story.  In my teens, I wanted to be around my friends as much as possible doing fun Christmas activities.  As I got older, I looked forward to the Christmas parties and various get-togethers to celebrate with family and friends.  These last ten years or so, I’ve relished giving more as well as being in the moment when I’m with family and friends.  What I’ve realized is that these times will be the “good old days” in the future.  I’ll miss them then so I try not to take them for granted now. 

I didn’t understood why there were people that weren’t excited about Christmas and the “holidays”.  They looked at them as a dreary time of year and couldn’t wait for them to be over.  I always thought people should be happy at this time of year.  I now realize that people are experiencing loss as well as grieving those that have gone on and are currently missing at holiday gatherings.  It never occurred to me that my parents were missing their parents and siblings that have passed.  Everything is not joyful and happy.  There are dark times and a lot of suffering during this holiday season. 

We all have problems and we all have pain.  Even still, I’ve learned (and am still learning) that now is the perfect time to embrace the joy of the season.  That joy is the hope of Jesus.  He is born and he will save his people.  Celebrate today because He is Here!   Christ the Savior is born!  Merry Christmas!!!!