Presents Vs Presence

I was recently asked what I want for Christmas this year. Hmm...something I honestly haven't thought of...especially considering just spending ONE afternoon around the mall..with all the Christmas music already playing in the stores and the color red EVERYWHERE...
the already PACKED parking lots and stores...the singing/dancing Reindeer, Santa Claus's, Snowmen, ETC...was enough to remind me that someone is missing this year.....

Grandpa.

Sure, last year was technically the "first" Christmas without him, but it was only a month after he passed away...and all I was focused on was packing up the house and moving after New Years Day. My mind was very preoccupied and I also had a lot of support around that time. I didn't have much time to think that he wasn't there with us...I was still in shock to be honest.

But this year...the lights, the sounds, smells, etc...are all constant reminders that he is very missed. It is also my first year that I am not living in the house that I shared with him. The house that I woke up every Christmas morning in...the one where Darrell, Gramps, Cookie and I would open up our presents in and enjoy each other's company...and the years before that Grandma too. Last year I stayed with Aunt Kathy's family on Christmas Eve and spent Christmas day with them...what a blessing!!

If I could have ANY thing on Christmas, it would be to spend one more day with Gramps. Since I know that isn't possible....instead of asking for presents...material things...things that will fade in time...

I am instead just asking for God's PRESENCE...

Let us be reminded that as we enter into the Season of Giving...that it is the holy spirit that gives us what we need...it is our everlasting King and Almighty God that blesses us with his love...it is Jesus Christ that was born to die...for us.

Think about the baby that was born in the manger...the baby that would one day heal the sick, raise the dead, save the lost and eventually die for all of mankind. This Christmas, I ask you to sit with him...to take time out of your busy schedule and thank him for all that he has done for you. His presence is better than any presents I could think of.

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON~