I remember the excitement of Christmas as a 9 year old, going out on the 44 acres and cutting a pine tree about 9 feet tall and bringing home with dad and my two brothers. Setting it up in the stand, hanging decorations (the popcorn strings were great – could snack on them if we were careful), and then lighting it. Had to turn off the lights most of the night and day – the heat would dry the pine needles out too fast.
Then fast forward to 1984 and this gift from God came into our lives
I often wondered what lay ahead for this son of ours. I did not know he had a life of 18 years and 2 months ahead.
Christ became important to me on a walk to emmaus weekend in October of 2000. I knew who HE was previously, BUT had not taken Him seriously as the source of life eternal or the FACT that HE alone matters and then everything else falls into place.
Christmas each years brings the following thoughts
What would Joshua be doing if he was still here? Would he be married? Would he have children? (our grandchildren). Would he be in ministry like he planned and stated in the seconds prior to his death?
We have never had a tree since December 2001, the last Christmas Joshua was here with us.
Instead we have a ‘nativitree’ we call it, seems more appropriate to celebrate the Savior’s birth. Also the reason Leisa and I can live each day since Joshua passed into Eternity with Christ our Lord.
Jesus is the reason for this season and our hope in glory. forever and ever, Amen.
This leads me to the thought that I settle into after wondering what would Joshua be doing this year if he were still on earth with us…
Life is a moment, a vapor, a wisp, it seems long then is gone. Only Jesus matters, only my relationship with Him – the Savior, the King matters. He saved me, and saves me each moment I look at Him and choose to love and obey Him.
My prayer is that each one who considers Jesus – will let Him in and take Him seriously, it is never too late until life leaves your body, Don’t wait, Just Do it now.
John Hargrove Seeking Truth and Reality 