Tradition...Still

Growing up our family Christmas traditions included opening one package on Christmas Eve. We always knew what that pretty box held. Our new Christmas PJs! A necessary component for our Christmas morning photos.

As you can see my fleecy, cuddly new Christmas PJs are waiting for Saturday night. When I'll be listening, as I have for over 70 years, for sleigh bells and reindeer on the roof.

Not likely, I know. I live in a first (of three) floor apartment. But I'll not extinguish that child in me. 

AirFlight flies over frequently. Do you think Santa might stop by via helicopter this year?

Actually, many of my childhood Christmas memories are not happy ones. So I determined to create good ones and did! 

As Long as There Is Christmas

The first few lights glow brightly, as you watch the season start.

You know you should be happy, but don't feel it in your heart.

Instead, you think about a time when someone laughed with you

and the love you shared then filled your soul. But too soon, 

it was through.

So Christmas comes with sadness, and a yearning deep inside,

a thirst for love and peace and hope that will not be denied.

            

Late one night you hear a voice, so soft and without blame...

then you realize He's calling your name.

            

"I know your hurt and loneliness, the heartache that you bear,

I listen and I cry with you through every single prayer.

"I promised in the manger and fulfilled it on the cross.

I built a home that's filled with love for all those who are lost.

            

"So let me come and heal your heart and give you rest within.

For my way is kind and gentle and will bring you joy again."

            

His words still echo through the years, a vow that He made true

"As long as there's a Christmas, I will be in love with you."

By Jack Zavada (with permission to use)