Vantage point

Christmas change

 

Christmas will change for us this year. For the first time in her life, my wife will not have her dad there for the celebration. Last April, Peggy’s father, with a long life of serving Jesus behind him, went into the Lord’s presence. My folks have been gone for a long time. Peggy’s mom is now our only living parent.

Peggy’s mother has an apartment at Maranatha Village, the Assemblies of God retirement community, and she loves it. But, as of this writing, we’re not quite sure where we will have our Christmas celebration.

Most people love Christmas. Christians, especially, have a great reason to celebrate it. The things we do at Christmas become treasured traditions, until the time when they become treasured memories.

There’s one thing that’s sure about Christmas celebrations. They will eventually change.

Reflecting on treasured memories makes one grateful. It is even better to realize what you have before it changes.

If you are privileged to spend the holidays with loved ones, take time to realize the blessings you currently have. Be thankful for every loved one who graces your celebration and let them know how much they mean to you.

Christians feel a sense of loss when loved ones do not have a relationship with the Christ of Christmas. We must do everything in our power to point our unsaved loved ones to Jesus. When the time comes that someone is no longer present in the family circle, the loss is far easier when we know that loved one is in a place where we will eventually be reunited … just like Peggy’s dad.

No matter what changes about Christmas, something won’t ever change. Jesus Christ, the true meaning of this wonderful day, will stay the same (Hebrews 13:8). That means, regardless of the changes, Christmas will always be joyful.

May He bring Christmas joy to your heart this season.

Ken Horn

E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.