The day of Elli's Christmas program found us all running late. Her mommy asked me to fix her hair and so I grabbed the Christmas gift wrap ribbon and fastened it in her hair. She ran to the mirror and declared: "I look like a big present!" She was happy and excited and so was I.
We arrived at school a few minutes late. The day was cold, but my little granddaughter ran into the school quickly, and I promised I would see her soon at the program. I was nearly first in line with the other proud parents and grandparents. I stood for fifteen minutes and then sat another thirty minutes while the excitement in the school gym mounted. There was standing room only, and it seemed that most people had cameras in their hands as the 9:30 start time neared. The anticipation was palpable.
Then it happened. The sound of bells echoed through the old gym as nearly two hundred pre-schoolers and kindergartners entered the room marching down each side while ringing their very own jingle bells. I could find Elli easily because, of course, I was watching for the big red bow. After all the children entered, the curtain opened, and there in front of us were all those sweet smiling baby faces. For most of us there, I am certain, our eyes were focused on the one child that was special to us.
As all those little faces looked out at us, I must admit that a tear filled my eye. I thought of all of the love that was in the room right at that moment. I thought back to other Christmases when each of my four children's little faces had been looking at me in that very same school gym. I was sitting close enough that I could hear my little Elli tell her friend that she could see her Grandma. The moment was etched in my heart as the highlight of my day.
Oh, the day was not an easy day by any means. An important doctor visit and news of a potential heart procedure were part of the day. A long drive in rush hour traffic was part of the day. Cold winter weather was part of the day. Hurt feelings in the family were part of the day. Sadness and anxiety were part of the day. Tears and pain were part of the day. Fear and uncertainty were part of the day.
In the end, however, when my mind and body quieted from the busy day, it was joy I felt. Somehow in my mind, the over-riding thought was the big red bow.
And so it was on the 15th of December, ten days before Christmas 2009, that I received the gift God wanted me to have this season. He wanted me to remember that no matter what--no matter how messed up the world is or how messed up I am--or how messed up relationships can be--there is joy because He sent His Son to replace all the hurts the world can throw at us. His love for me became flesh 2000 years ago so that I could rest in Him at the end of each long day.
Yes, this Christmas, when I think of the tiny baby Jesus in a manger, I will see his little swaddling clothes all wrapped up with a big red bow. And I will know that I have been blessed beyond comprehension. I will be reminded once again that Jesus is the best present ever given.
Thank you dear Heavenly Father for your gift of joy to me and all mankind.
May the anticipation with which all the loved ones waited to see their little children sing holiday music in the old school gym pale in comparison with the anticipation with which we wait for your Son this Advent season. Amen
Joy to the World!
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