The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

by Michele Boy | December 15, 2022

It’s one week till Christmas. One.
Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a white Christmas? Heavy wet snow falling that doesn’t stop all day. 
 Living in a drought ridden area makes you appreciate every drop of water. 
Do you ever stop and think about the running water from your faucet as you do dishes? 
And how there are places in the world where they have to carry every drop by buckets miles to their home.
 When I lived in a city, I never gave a thought to how much water I let run in the sink. Weather was simply a convenience or an inconvenience.
I loved warm stormy weekend afternoons to lay in bed and read. 
I never thought about our every day conveniences are sometimes the dreams of many.
  As our temperatures drop below zero, I have heat. I needed groceries and ran to the store to grab them. Hot shower? Yep, got that at my fingertips too.
 My family is healthy and while I have my dreams and goals, I couldn’t be more grateful.
 Can you stop in this chaotic time of year and think about how much you have? Can you offer a thank you up? 
And maybe stretch your pocket to offer something to someone in need. 
 I think about the civic organizations and churches in our town that offer food, shoes, coats, and toys to children in our area. 
I thank you. I think about the person who  pays someone’s electric bill anonymously. I remember times when someone lent me a hand up.
 If you stop and think about it we are spoiled. Not in a bad way. Spoiled beautifully by our Creator. 
There are troubles in this world. Maybe if we lifted our eyes above that, we could see the miracles that surround us. 
 “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” sang  Andy Williams.
My childhood memories of the holidays was driving around looking at lights with my dad listening to Christmas music on the radio. Or my friend’s mom baking cookies and joining them at midnight mass. 
 As I look back nothing was perfect. There were a lot of troubles but we put them aside in the spirit of Christmas.
 Traditional Christmas music and the songs from the 50s and 60s takes me back to happy memories.
 As we put up the ornaments on the tree this year, I smiled at all the memories we have built as a family. 
 Do I still have grievances and irritations? Most definitely. 
I am human. I am a work in progress. I say and do things that irritate others too. 
So as we come upon this time that can bring out emotions like happy, joy, sad, anger, grief, let us also remember Light. 
Light that heals, Light that warms the soul. 
Once upon a time I dreamed of some of the things that now drive me crazy. 
So right now as the season is upon us, I pray you are spoiled - with enough. Enough water, food, clothing, laughter, joyful memories. And maybe a joyful surprise too! You are worth it!
  From  Casting Crowns, “Do you hear the bells, they’re ringing? (Peace on Earth)
The light, the angels singing (peace on Earth)
Open up your heart and hear them (peace on Earth)
Peace on Earth, good will to men.”