Christmas In My Heart

Every Christmas is different from the last. Some are quiet and lean , some noisy and full. Last year was the one that will stand out in history at least in my history, as the one that will never be forgotten. To begin with our eldest daughter (the beautiful one) was coming home with her new man. His name is awesome. (inside joke) . This was cause for celebration enough. I had plenty of ideas for original gifts, I knitted everyone a handmade scarf. We had a little money saved up and I felt good about the spending. The recipes came easy. It was as if all the plans were blessed from the Heavenly's . The neighbors were friendly and kind. The snow had been falling and it covered the ground with a quaint Christmassy air.  The story gets better.. My 20 year old wanted a camcorder for Christmas. The one he wanted was pretty expensive. I knew that we didn't have the money for this but I also knew that I really wanted to get him one. All of my children are very special. Each one special in their own right. But this son is the one with the faith, he's the one who stands firm when others fail.  God loves each and every one of us, but he has his hands upon this one and He has great plans for him. Well, every day as I walked to my pond I would talk to the The Lord. I would ask him to bless my son with this CamCorder. Sometimes when I pray I just get this feeling that my prayer was answered. This was one of those times and I lived believing it. About this time the Christian Radio station had a contest. Send in a Christmas card and one would be randomly drawn on Christmas eve. First prize was a camcorder. We weren't certain what quality it was but I sent my card. The time came for the draw, up till now, my hubby had placed a gift of money under the tree all wrapped up. It was to go towards a camcorder in the new year when sales were on. Yet, deep inside my heart I knew that a miracle was about to take place. 3 oclock on the eve, clear as a bell our family name was announced. We had won.. Just like that.. I don't think I've ever yelled and cried and jumped so much in all my life. We scooted down to the station. I tried to convey to the folks working there the meaning of this gift and who my son was who was going to receive it. Maybe they understood a tiny bit. Not only that, but it was the exact one that son wanted. Christmas morning was a blast. We laughed at the Japanese flute, the lazer scissors, the lego (no one's a kid anymore) the coloring books, the funny hats and pez candy. Then Mike opened his gift. I cried , explaining it to him and how we came to be it's owner.  This gift was a miracle. It was given by the hands of God. Some say coincidence or ha perchance. Some say that the time of miracles and angels is over. I say that a loving God took delight in blessing a young fella and his mother. I stand in awe and marvel at his goodness. Whenever I've been tempted to be a gloomy gus this year the memory of that gift penetrates my heart and soul. Now, this Christmas is a little different. I feel it.. It's not as big or as white. It's keeping me humble. I am remembering the dear hand of my Heavenly Father whose gift of a camcorder was only a delightful sampling of His love and what He can bestow. After all He gave us the greatest gift that could ever be given, his son Jesus.. This Christmas believe for that miracle.  Hold on to that love that we so desperately need and desire. "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night" :)