Merry Christmas!

If you are anything like my family, you will still enjoy wishing "Merry Christmas" even though Christmas day has once again come and gone. There is something sweet about the expression; children can feel it and connect it to those two simple words long before they can ever eloquently express their feelings in other words. I can remember back to last year's Christmas time... and even months after Christmas had passed, our oldest child, Catherine, who had just turned three years old, would come up to me and say, "Merry Christmas, Mom." She said it in the most endearing way, and with the sweetest smile. It left me with a feeling as if she had just told me she loved me... After contemplating that experience for some time now, I have discovered that the love I felt was more than just the love between a mother and child.


I'd like to take this moment to reflect and share my feelings on this expression of love found in the phrase, "Merry Christmas." The phrase seems to encompass all of the love that has been or ever will be shared. I think of the reason we celebrate Christmas: the birth of Christ. I think of a perfect father giving the gift of His perfect son because He loves us. I think of the Son giving His life because of His love for our Father in Heaven and His love for us. I think of Mary and her love for Jesus, not only as her baby but also as her Savior. I think of the love of Joseph. I think of the overwhelming love I felt as I gave birth to each of my three little angels. I think of the love I share with my dear husband, my greatest friend. I think of his love for me. I think of the love I share with my earthly parents and the love I have for my Heavenly Father. Love between family... love between friends... and the list goes on and on.


And so it is with this "Merry Christmas" expression of love as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, His love and His life that we bring this message of love and friendship to you: May His love be yours and your love be His now and forever.