Christmas 2018
It was the last day
of classes before the Christmas break. Don was walking across the campus at NWU
when his eyes caught sight of something lying on the curb in front of the
girl’s dorm. He picked up his speed, praying as he went, “Father, please let
that be what I think it is.” A big smile covered his face as he walked up to a
pile of Christmas trees which had been thrown out after they were no longer
needed for a dorm room. He picked through
the pile, looking for one which could last a little longer, and bring joy to
two little girls who desperately wanted a Christmas tree. He walked to his car
with a new spring in his step, carrying the partially wilted tree.
Don was attending NWU on a GI Bill, cleaning a
restaurant in the early mornings before heading out on his school bus route…
working hard to provide the basic needs of his family. We felt bad we didn’t have money for gifts but
we decided we would make Christmas special by doing fun activities together. We
made the choice to be grateful and celebrate the real reason for the
season……Jesus.
I’ve been
thinking how Mary had to make some choices on that first Christmas. She must
have been looking forward to a soft bed after the long hard trip; but, her
desires were gently crushed when she learned there was no room in the inn. She chose to be grateful for the cozy hay in
the barn. The angel had told her she would conceive a child which would be the
“Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:35) but to
her quiet surprise, He was not born in a palace but in a stable where He slept
in the only bed available, a manger (Luke 2:7)
Instead of being attended by royalty, Jesus was welcome by lowly shepherds (vv15-16). Mary didn’t know that someday her
child would Himself be the Good Shepherd (John
10:1-21) The Bible says, “But
Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19).
Just as we must do today, Mary chose to trust God with the details of her
life.
As 2018 passes into history I look back with
gratefulness for God’s guidance, provision, and continual presence. The name, Emmanuel means “God with us”. This year brought some challenges for members
of my family but being conscious of “God with us always” (Matt.28:20) has made all the difference in our
reaction to the situations. It’s a
heartwarming experience when I see a child or grandchild walk through dark
clouds with their eyes looking up at the Sonshine above the haze of life. We
rejoice together in the victory which comes through answered prayer.
I’m excited to announce the new members added to our
family this year. On May 19th
my grandson, Clayton Hines, married Kristi, a lovely lady he met while
stationed in Texas. She brought two
beautiful children into their marriage; 10 yr. old Danika and 8 yr. old, Aden.
They were with us for the week of Thanksgiving and won our hearts immediately. They
reside in CA where Clayton is stationed in the Marine Corps.
On August 4th, my grandson, Preston Hines
married Keave, a sweet girl from our church that won his heart while at youth
camp, his freshman year of high school.
They live close by in Graham, WA.
My grandson, Dalton Hines is presently deployed with
the U.S. Marine Corps. We are privileged to have his wife, Valeria, and almost 3
year old daughter, Ava Grace, staying with us for these months he is overseas.
Our lives have been enriched by having them here. Ava is a great entertainer to
all of us.
Re-visiting our Christmas memories of l972, our family
enjoyed spending much time together, taking in many free Christmas activities.
We were content with the “gift” of each other as our Christmas present; BUT……GOD
HAD OTHER PLANS… A nice couple showed up on our doorstep with a large box. It
was filled with all the trimmings for Christmas dinner, stockings filled with
fruit, candy, and nuts, gifts for the girls, and tickets to the Science Center
for our family. We learned someone had turned in our family’s name to their
church “giving tree” We were shocked……overjoyed……and so thankful to God and the
people who had put “action” to God’s gentle nudges.
Christmas has become such a cultural event that it’s
easy to lose sight of the personal reasons to celebrate. Whatever your
circumstances are this year, the Christ of Christmas is inviting you to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and
lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Choose
to let joy, gratefulness, and celebration of our Savior be your theme.
Christmas is about LOVE. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that
whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).
My little grandson at the age of 4
shared it best. He was getting ready for
church and he said, “Mommy, Jesus is talking to my heart.” “Oh really, what is
he telling you?” she asked. “Jesus said, ‘I love you, Daniel.’” If only we
could all open our heart to the real meaning of Christmas and hear Jesus say to
us, “…I have come that you may have
life, and have it to the full.” (John10:10 personalized). I love you, my child.
