Silent Night

It's Christmas Eve, and everyone is asleep. We did things a little differently tonight. We had a nice dinner, and let the boys open gifts right after, at about nine o'clock. I know, it goes against all of the traditions...both American AND Mexican! I did, however, just stuff the stockings, so the boys and Lily will have a surprise for the morning. It has been a very quiet Christmas Eve... It's funny how when you are a kid, the holidays are so exciting...you wait and dream all year for Christmas Eve to come...all the family and excitement...and when you are an adult, it's just not the same. But, maybe, it's WE that are not the same. We have grown up, and realized that Christmas isn't a one day affair...another date penciled in on the calendar. Rather, Christmas is a state of being...a daily celebration. Rejoicing in the birth of Jesus, who left the beauty and majesty of heaven to transcend time and touch humanity for all eternity. To give us that second chance to reconnect with the Father. Last night, we turned on the TV and the "Jesus" movie was on. It's the story of the entire life of Jesus on earth, including his crucifixion, and resurrection. "Strange time of the year to watch something like that", you might be thinking, as did I, at first. But in reality, it was a perfect thing to be watching. After all, Jesus's whole mission, the whole reason he was born, was to die for us...to be that ultimate sacrifice...once and for all. Coming home in the car tonight, I was listening to Christmas Carols on the radio. One of my favorite is Silent Night. Even though it's more than 2000 years since the birth of Jesus, I can still feel the heavenly peace that songs sings of. Here are the words to that great old carol:

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

The last verse is my favorite. It holds such promise for us all.

Thank you, Jesus, for being the one gift that is always the perfect size, and color. You never need to be exchanged or returned. You won't break, spoil, or go out of style. You don't require assembly, and you will never be recalled. You never disappoint, and you never get old. You are just the right gift for me!