It is still dark this early Christmas morning and there is a fresh blanket of snow on the ground outside. Steven made it home from LA last night and he and Debby are soundly sleeping upstairs. The lights of the Christmas tree are on and there are some packages under the tree. The house is beautifully decorated for the season. Peter and Lauren are coming down in a week. Last night we spent the evening at the candle light service with so many of our friends. Life is good.
I am reminded of a Christmas so many years ago in Quincy, the little town I grew up in. I was home from college for Christmas vacation and on Christmas morning I got up early before anyone else was up. I sat in a chair near the Christmas tree and as a brand new believer I was trying to be regular in my morning prayer time. As I talked with the Lord, as one talks with a friend, it hit me that I was talking with the One whom I had celebrated as a babe all my life. Every Christmas we celebrated the birth of Christ at Christmas, but He seemed distant and so long ago. That morning for the first time, I realized that now I was talking to this resurrected Christ as my Lord and as my friend. The One who was so far away was now, "closer than a brother". Christmas had a whole new meaning to me that morning and now after more than 35 years it is still so meaningful. In a few minutes, I will sit by the tree and continue my early morning practice of spending time with my Savior. He is still my friend.
Yes, there are times that He seems distant to me still, but I will continue to pray through those days when He seems distant for I know that He is still there and still listening. It is moments like this when I feel so grateful to God for his blessings. We have been through difficult days and I know difficult days are ahead as they are eventually for everyone, but right now I will cherish the moment.
This was a really encouraging post to read Dennis. I actually had an extremely dry and distant Christmas yesterday.
There were a lot of factors, some internal and some circumstantial, but what was encouraging to hear was that over time Christ continues to become closer in your life.
Hope you and Debbie are well. I follow your blog through my RSS reader.
Posted by: Brian Barela | December 26, 2008 at 08:11 AM