Christmas Joy Unexpected

So many things at Christmas soak up our time.

Christmas parties, shopping, extra church events, special dinners and going to see lights.

We get so wrapped up in so many busy things, when do we take time to wonder in awe at the little things?

We took our youngest granddaughter to see the lights at Clifton Mill last week. We knew she would be delighted-she is 3.

What we didn’t count on was her epic encounter with Santa at the workshop.

I will never be able to do this story justice. She approached the window and Santa walked right up to her. She squealed with delight and screamed “Mimi! It’s Him! It’s Santa!”.

My heart jumped at her joy. I was in wonder.

My husband and I were completely stunned and for a moment suspended in time completely aware of the Joy of Christmas through the eyes of this child.

Her encounter was pure and sweet, and she was smiling so big with her eyes sparkling and clapping her hands.

And Santa! He was so amazing, and I hear her say “Awww, he is so kind!”

I have searched this year for a Christmas encounter like this one. I had given up to be honest.

When family is missing, and some live far away, and some are sick it makes it tough.

When friends are few and don’t include us anymore it feels lonely.

I feel like I am in a weird place in life where I go places and do all the things but I don’t really belong anywhere.

Then at an overpriced light display near my home that I’ve been to a million times I find a bit of Christmas Joy unexpectedly in the eyes of a child.

I hope this Christmas if you are feeling weary, worn and just done with all of it, that you will have a moment of Christmas that sparks Joy in your heart and puts a smile on your face like I did.

I hope you remember that this story doesn’t end today, it’s a cradle to cross story. We were built to celebrate both the birth and the death of our Savior during this time. And find Joy in doing it.

He has risen and saved us all.

Merry Christmas.

xoxo,