Christmas is a special time of year because of what the day represents.
To Christians, it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, and for us the day brings – in the words from the famous carole – true comfort and joy. It brings the promise of grace and salvation. It brings people together to share in the warm embrace of family and friends. It is my favorite day of the year.
At about this time of the season, however, my thoughts always seem to drift to those who are not here. To military members who are far from home, or to those who are no longer with us at all.
Yet, they are. They are in our hearts, and in our memories. They are here every time we miss them. Every time we think of them with the bittersweet wish that they were here once more to enjoy Christmas morning with the family, or a holiday dinner with friends.
“I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my mind,” goes both ways.
Merry Christmas to you all.
