December 9
“When Do We Feel Christ In Our Lives?” by Linda McNichols
As I ponder the times that I have felt the true meaning of Christmas and/or feel the spirit of Christ in my life, thoughts drift to memories of family and friends, present and past. Each year I think of my Sunday School teacher Wendell Sims who taught us to always show our love and respect for Jesus Christ by writing out “Christmas” and not use an X in place of his name, ie: Xmas, because he is worthy of so much more than being “crossed out”. Wendell taught that group of feisty kids many things but this one will never fade!
As a mother of three and grandmother of four precious children, I cannot help but equate the anticipation of each of their births with the anticipation we feel leading up to Christmas. In each case there was excitement, mystery, and certainly a state of awe as the unborn child was being nurtured and prepared inside the womb. The whole process is such a miracle! The culmination of nine months’ anticipation draws congratulatory wishes from relatives and friends near and far. The opportunity to witness the birth of a child, or to hold and care for a new baby must surely be one of our greatest blessings from God as we are offered some insight of the “wonder and awe” that was felt on the first Christmas with the birth of Christ.
Our “newest” family member is Lydia Jane Szabo, born on August 20th to our daughter Janie and husband John Szabo. Undoubtedly Miss Lydia is the most popular family member in recent days, although it is not an easy task to steal her away from her parents! This week our precious little one started daycare and Mommy started back to work at Rose Hulman. The daily reports from daycare have been “glowing”….she is sleeping a lot, is enamored with watching the “big kids” at play, etc. Janie says Lydia hasn’t slept quite as well at night, although she reports to me “Lydia’s bed is right beside ours and I can just reach over to touch her.” Janie goes on “ she was wiggling and fussing and woke me up, so I rolled over to check on her and when I looked down at her she just smiled a really big smile!”.
Christ is with us. May you feel the warmth of “his” big smile this Christmas!
Prayer: Lord, help us have the strength and compassion to understand that you will be with us in good times and in bad. May we be mindful to serve as you have shown through Christs’ example in a loving and gentle manner, carrying the warmth of your love within us to share with others.
