Memories of long ago....

As I hang the ornaments on the tree, I step back and gaze at the beauty....yes, the tree is pretty, the lights are shining and the sense of satisfaction is felt, but in that sudden moment there is sadness as well.  I remember the holidays of the past....the anticipation of waiting on family gatherings...wondering what I will get from Aunts and Uncles, Grandparents and Santa Clause.  The excitement of Christmas as a child, is a memory I will forever be grateful for having.  To look, in awe, at all the presents under the tree, picking each one up and trying to guess what is inside, these are the treasures in my heart that will never be taken.  To view Christmas as a child is priceless.  As my children were born, watching the joy of Christmas, thru their eyes kept the magic alive in my heart.  As my children grew up, the memories of the "Childlike Christmas" began to fade.  No matter how hard I tried, society and age, diminished the "Magic of Christmas", that only a child can possess.  This sadden me beyond belief, however I soon began thinking of this "magical" time in a new light.  We learned the story of Baby Jesus and the Wise Men at a very young age, but the  biggest excitement was Santa Clause....instead of dwelling on what my children were losing, I began to focus on the true meaning of this Glorious Day...the birth of our Savior!  I accepted the fact that the "magic" was gone, but held firm to the opportunity to share the true meaning of this Blessed event!  To fully understand what happened that night is far from magical...it is a Miracle!  A child born unto the virgin Mary....what would our newspapers and television stations print and broadcast if such a miracle were made "that" public today?  Miracles occur daily, I believe this, however one of this magnitude would surely make headlines.  If we all just sit back and "think" about the "Real Meaning of this Day", we would get a better understanding of what a loving and caring God we have!  He sent His child to suffer and die for our sins.....how many of us would sacrifice our own child?  So, instead of dwelling on the "magic" of Christmas, I vow this year, to dwell on the True meaning of Christmas....The Birth of our Savior!  Yes, the memories are still vivid of Christmases from the past, and the excitement that only a child can feel is long gone but the story of Baby Jesus born in Bethelehem....well, that is a "Miracle" that I hope none of us ever forget!  All the lights, the trees, the presents and shiny ornaments are wonderful to enjoy and share with our families but the best gift of all, is the story from long ago......The Story of Baby Jesus born in Bethelehem!!  Merry Christmas and God Bless!