Christmas Light

 
This year I feel like Christmas snuck up on me. It really didn't. It came 365 days after last year. The difference is that I was so occupied by life changes I didn’t give it the focus  I normally do. 

One year ago I was ice sledding down our street with 2 of our kids and our daughter in law. Sean was recovering from foot surgery, so he looked on from the screen door on crutches. It was almost perfect. 

Oregon is cold, dark, drippy and often snowy at Christmas. You can count on Christmas lights to brighten the season. Our home looked spectacular with lights. We had a 14+ foot Christmas tree that was a treasure trove of the places we’ve visited and the special memories we created over the last 30 years. Last year we enjoyed the lights so much that we didn’t take them down till Valentine’s.

This year Sean risked his life as usual to string lights on the roof stretching up every peak. Much to his disappointment there was no way to safely hang them over each peak. He settled for a more limited light display, but the house looked great. Bright white. Till a fuse went out and the roofline went dark. 

Last week we visited the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints  Washington DC temple. Over 400,000 lights illuminated the visitor center. We had a wonderful evening together admiring the lights, the views of the temple and the many nativities. We even escaped the crowds to take in the views around the temple and the peace of Christmas. 

Like many I love Christmas. But, it’s not the gifts, Santa, cookies or holiday movies , it’s the LIGHT. It’s the lights on the tree or outlining the house that I love. Their simple glow reminds me of the light from a bright star that guided shepherds to a humble stable where a baby lay in a manger filled with straw.   This baby brought light and hope to all. It is Christ's birth, His teachings and His atonement  that brings everlasting light to each of us. His light can brighten the darkest of nights and provide hope when we may have none. 

Tonight as I sit cross stitching while watching a Christmas movie my gaze is pulled toward our tree. This tree brightens a dark corner of your home. Through Christ a very dark time in our lives was made brighter. For that I am truly grateful. 

I hope that the love Christ has for you fills your heart this Christmas and brings you light throughout the new year.