Christmas

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (KJV)

Looking back on the past week, I am so very happy with how my Christmas went. I think too often people get caught up in the gift giving aspect of the holiday but this year it was so much more for me.

On Christmas Eve I went to church with my mom, dad and little brother. It is usually one of my favorite services all year. It was again this year, although it was much harder. At the very end of the service every year the church sings Silent Night. Every year the first verse is sang in German, seeing that the Lutheran religion has its roots from German reformer Martin Luther. Anyway...my grandpa always used to sing it for us and tell us how to pronounce the words because it definitely is not easy. Well, for us. He was confirmed in German so it was easy for him! Anyway, so I know that its coming and I try not to think about it throughout the whole service, but then the music starts and my eyes tear up. I'm the first in my family to cry. Then the wax spilled on my pants from the candle, then my mom burned herself trying to get a tissue for me. Then I look over and see tears rolling down my dads face and by the last verse my brother had a moment. I'm sure we looked like a crazy bunch in that row! It is the first Christmas without my grandpa and it was very emotional. I spent many Christmas Eve nights and Christmas days with my grandparents here in Arizona and I am thankful for those memories.

So after church we went back to my parents house and met up with my older brother and his family. We opened gifts that night from my parents and each other. It was a nice evening together. My parents gave us a beautiful ornament in memory of my grandpa with his name and years of life on it. My little brother got Guitar Hero so him and I were up until about 2 am playing that which was fun. I'm definitely looking forward to him graduating and moving closer so we can hang out more.

Christmas day was more laid back. I slept in, and even took a nap then went over to my parents. My little brother spent the day with his girlfriend and their family and my other brother spent the day with his wife's side of the family. It ended up being a great day. It was very laid back, relaxed and filled with good conversation. We ate our Christmas meal, talked about purchasing homes, relived memories of years gone by and enjoyed each others company. We also talked about my grandparents a lot and played a good game of cribbage.

It was one of the most memorable Christmas' ever and its not because of the gifts received or given, it was because of the time spent with family along with memories remembered and created.

Was this Christmas difficult? Absolutely. However, it also brings to the forefront the reminder that Jesus Christ was born and he is the reason we can find comfort in the times of pain and remember that if it had not been for his perfect life and death my grandfather would not be enjoying eternal life in heaven right now. And that is the comfort that I rely on to get me through the holidays and hard times when I really wish my grandpa was around.