Our family doesn’t worry about all of the gifts and such like many do. We have our Christmas Tree up, but that is only because I had all of my Christmas things out for a ladies luncheon at my church. There are no gifts under the tree, just the lights and some precious memories of Christmas’s past. We do our gift giving at Easter when we celebrate the birth, death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I have pictures of grand-kids and ornaments that were given to me over time. This year I added a new ornament in memory of my mom who past away recently.

This year I know many who are spending this very special day in Heaven. I can only imagine what the celebrations are like in Heaven. I know one day this is a celebration that I look forward to. Some of the people that I will be thinking of that is now with Jesus is my mom Winnie Elder, my friend and previous pastor Harry Myers and my childhood friend and like a sister Robin Evans.

I can picture my mom and grandma sitting around and chatting over all the crazy things that has happened since she went to be with Jesus in 1973. I can picture the biggest smile come across Harry’s face. Harry must have been overjoyed to see Jesus face to face. I wonder what Harry and Mattie had to say to each other. My imagination goes crazy on that one, lol. Then Robin who has had many heartaches must be very happy and realizing what peace really means. Robin had a love for the Lord. I also wonder what the conversations are like for her as she talks to her oldest sister Cheryl, her dad and nephew Brandon.

Here on earth, I don’t foresee any peace until Christ comes again. It is nice to see that people truly know what Christmas is about each and every day. Not just on December 25th.

My thoughts and prayers goes out to all who have lost a loved one or who may be going through a hard time. When I have my hard moments or things seem dark, I have always found that turning to Jesus is the only way to make it through those dark days. Jesus is the light of this world.

• John 8:12 – When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

I came across this poem a little earlier about what the true meaning of Christmas is;

True Meaning of Christmas

In todays’ day and time,
it’s easy to lose sight,
of the true meaning of Christmas
and one special night.

When we go shopping,
We say “How much will it cost?”
Then the true meaning of Christmas,
Somehow becomes lost.

Amidst the tinsel, glitter
And ribbons of gold,
We forget about the child,
born on a night so cold.

The children look for Santa
In his big, red sleigh
Never thinking of the child
Whose bed was made of hay.

In reality,
When we look into the night sky,
We don’t see a sleigh
But a star, burning bright and high.

A faithful reminder,
Of that night so long ago,
And of the child we call Jesus,
Whose love, the world would know.

written by Brian K. Walters