When my daughters were much younger, I made it a practice to write them a short letter on Christmass Eve before I went to bed, recalling the "good" and the "bad" of that year. Most of all, I reminded them of my love for them ... of my gratitude for their continuing growth in faith ... and of God's love for them in the new-born Christ child.
Now, one of those daughters has a daughter of her own--my granddaughter. Tonight, as a 2nd grader, she participated in her first Christmass Eve Children's Service at the church where we worship.
What a joy it was for me to watch and listen to her as she joined with other children in proclaiming the story of sin and redemption and of God's promise fulfilled in the Incarnation of God's Son. Once again, I became a child, listening to that "old" story with new ears ... seeing the excitement of the story-tellers with new eyes.
And, the "frosting on the cake" was that my granddaughter's artwork was chosen to be on the cover of the worship folder tonight!
So much to be grateful for ... so much to rejoice in ... so much to reflect on.
A Blessed and Merry Christmass to all!
