It's a Wonderful Life

   

      Christmas is by far my absolutely favorite season. In one aspect, it's a time when people take a break from their hectic schedules and relive their childhood, if only for a few hours.  This is nothing like the adrenaline rush from tearing the paper off of a package and finally unveiling the gift that has been taunting you for weeks under the tree. Or maybe the best part is seeing the faces of your family members as they open the gift you agonized over and wrestled for in the insane mob of shoppers at the store. You realize your battle wounds are worth it when you see the sparkle in their eye or the smile that slowly forms across their face. On a less exaggerated-more serious note, Christmas is my favorite time because it is a celebration of a birth unlike any others that provides hope for all. It is in this season that we take time to remember the divine entrance of our savior into the world and marvel at the love and sovereignty of our Lord. We serve a God who brought his own son (perfect and sinless) into a dark, broken, and fallen world to die the most horrific and painful death so that we might be saved. Although society has made this a consumer-driven holiday filled with jolly Santas, reindeer, crowded shopping malls, and gifts, may we never forget the true reason we celebrate Christmas.
     
      Although this year has been different than most, here's a little glimpse of the wonderful Grubbs family Christmas. (You undoubtedly have much better things to do than read about my Christmas season so far, but humor me) Since I have been gone all semester, coming home for the Holiday's has been great and now that my sister is back it is kind of like old times. Today, my mother and I continued watching Hallmark movies while my sister did last minute shopping. As the evening rolled around, my father and I watched Crazy Christmas Lights on TLC and decided that like Bobby Ray with the christmas light sweater, we too shall accept the challenge to decorate our house next year so that the lights can be seen from outer space. Even if it meant adding 13 extra electrical circuits to our house. (Although my mom was not too keen on the idea). We continued the tradition of pizza bread for dinner while we watched It's A Wonderful Life and then opened the one gift set aside for Christmas eve. This year, my father talked non-stop about wanting a Christmas sweater. So, like any good daughter, I went to a second-hand store and found him the most unique one available. This particular gem was light gray with an attempt at black argyle on the front. As if the gift wasn't enough, I failed to read the words on the wrapping paper I used until after I put the bow on.  Instead of the traditional Merry Christmas etched across the package, it read "love is great happiness, love is eternal like the circle of a ring" I decided the wedding wrapping paper gave it additional pazazz. Thankfully tonight, my father thought it was hilarious and when he saw the sweater, he decided he was definitely wearing it tomorrow (even though it had to have formerly belonged to a chain smoker). He was a great sport about it and I reassured him the smoky smell made it more rustic. After everyone else went to bed, my father and I stayed up watching The Christmas Story, quoting the entire movie. I have to say, this has definitely been one of my favorite Christmas Eve's. As I reflect upon this past year, I am reminded how blessed I truly am and my heart is filled to the brim with joy and love for the Lord. How incredible, that despite my sarcasm, stubbornness, and pride, He loves me. That my friends, is the greatest gift of all.