The Joy of Christmas Eve and Christmas

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For the first time in 42 years, I won’t be surrounded by my children on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day due to the inclement weather we are experiencing here in California. However, Lord willing, I will be able to make my way down south with my companion on Friday when the forecast is looking lighter for travel. I’m hoping the roads will be cleared of water build up by then. Although I won’t be surrounded by my children, the Lord has blessed me with a companion, so I got a little ham I’ll be preparing for Christmas Day so we can have a small celebration together before venturing out the following morning.

As a mother, I can’t help but reflect that today on Christmas Eve (or how it is symbolically celebrated), Mary was probably in her early stages of labor and I’m sure very nervous about the miraculous event that was about to transpire in not only her own life, but for and in the lives of everyone who has been bestowed life on this earth. She was about to give the us the greatest gift of all time, our God who came down from heaven in human form through His son Jesus (Immanuel) in order to save us all from falling short of the Glory of God and our pending doom. Because of this selfless gift and our belief in God, we are assured an eternal life in heaven after this world ends or our life ends — whatever comes first. A humble little baby boy born in a manger intended for animals, because no one could find a suitable room for his birth — there was no room in the inn for our Savior King and I’m sure his very exhausted parents. Our Hallmark type cards depict a beautiful clean kept stable with heavenly auras surrounding the parents of our newborn King with a shining star and angels surrounding an open concept manger — when in fact most stables were found underneath a house, where I’m sure the smells would be nearly unbearable. I would imagine as Mary birthed her beautiful little baby, the scene was anything but pleasant. Quite contrast to how most of us were born in an aesthetic hospital or home setting. I’m sure Jesus’s parents did all they could to protect their little baby in such meager circumstances for a birth.

So as we open our gifts this evening or tomorrow morning, remember what each one represents — the gift of a newborn King, whose birthday we are celebrating. Whose life of only 33 years had such an impact on the world and what is to become as the result of His coming to earth and becoming our redemptive Savior.

We also have the gift of family and friends who we get to share life with surrounding us in different ways for the Christmas season. We put so much emphasis on the delicious foods and gifts we get to share during this time — let’s remember why we do and who we are celebrating. May you all enjoy the fellowship of family and friends and have a very Merry Christmas!! Glory to the newborn King!!


Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 24, 2025 at 12:39 PM

    So sorry your children aren't able to join you this year, but I'm glad you and your companion are going to enjoy a delicious meal together. Appreciate the time you were given to slow down a couple of days and reflect on past Christmas' and the real reason for the day.

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    Replies
    1. Cynthia GrenierDecember 24, 2025 at 1:11 PM

      Thank you!! I’m enjoying the warmth of my home and the many blessings I’ve shared in this season with family and friends. God Bless you and yours this day and everyday!!💛🎄😯

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