Our Christmas Miracles

In the blackness before dawn, Alan and I finished loading the car and headed to our first destination. 

Carrying bags of presents, we entered Chris and Anne’s festive home. Lights sparkled inside and out. They welcomed us with hushed voices. No excited girls were in sight.

After a few minutes, Ashlyn and Emily bounded out of their room. Molly clung to her dad’s shoulder and gazed at us with sleepy eyes. 

Within a short time, gifts were opened. Giggles. Squeals of delight. Smiles all around. 

For several years we have joined Chris, Anne, and the girls on Christmas morning to open gifts and have breakfast with them. With Alan’s disease, we didn’t know if that would happen this year, but he felt great.

Our second stop was at Ken and Kim’s for the next meal with more family. With mother’s declining health, we weren’t sure if she would be up to joining the group. Thankfully, she was also able to participate. 

Though we missed having dad with us, five children kept the gathering jolly as they played, laughed, and enjoyed each other. That was one miracle.

Mother’s stamina, after days of being very weak, and being a part of the celebration was a miracle. 

For Alan there were two miracles. He had been strong for about ten hours which had not happened in months. Also, he had not used his oxygen all day even though he normally uses it full time. How wonderful for him to not be tethered to a tube.

Each part of the day gave us joy. What a blessing our family was given when we anticipated a difficult Christmas. Even though 2013 was filled with trials, God presented us with a beautifully, memorable celebration to end the year. 

Mother still can’t walk and has leukemia. Alan requires oxygen and continues to have fibrosis. Dad is no longer with us. But for one day, we rejoiced in our Christmas miracles.

Psalm 67: 1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us. (NIV)

Gracious Father, thank you for adorning your children with blessings. Amen