I am sure, historically, this day brought tears to many. D-Day meant separation from loved ones, death and maiming, and a world in upheaval. Let us pause for a moment to think about what that Christmas season must have meant for so many.
Let us remember those whose tables will have an empty seat this year. Let us remember empty cribs bring untold tears. Let us think of those in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers and hospitals who will not be home for Christmas.
Let us remember those who will work on Christmas day, away from their families, or those who choose to work so others can be at home. Bless them with cheer and not a feeling of resentment.
Let us remember the families of those who serve our country around the world, who long for the hugs of loved ones, who wish they could be at home.
Let us remember that on the first Christmas, God sent his Son to live among us, that in our hearts, that Gift is still with us, and indeed is the Reason for the Season. In remembering what the true meaning of Christmas is, those who shed tears on “The Day” are still blessed by what happened that first Christmas Day, because God’s gift is not just for the Day, but for eternity for those who accept His presence as divine.
Their mourning shall turn to dancing.
A career teacher, with forty years of teaching language arts/English, Betty Jackson enjoys wordsmithing, writing, and reading as a vocation and avocation.Retirement is her "age of frosting," a chance to pursue postponed hobbies with gusto. She especially sends kudos to the Space Coast Writers Guild members for their encouragement and advice. Her five books, It's a God Thing!, Job Loss: What's Next? A Step by Step Action Plan, and Bless You Bouquets: A Memoir, And God Chose Joseph: A Christmas Story, and Rocking Chair Porch: Summers at Grandma's are available at Amazon.com. Ms. Jackson is available to speak to local groups and to offer her books at discount for fundraising purposes at her discretion. She and her husband soon celebrate their 47th anniversary, and have lived in New York, New Jersey, Iowa, and now the paradise of Palm Bay, Florida. Their two grown children and daughter-in-love, all orchestra musicians, and our beautiful granddaughters Kaley and Emily live nearby. Hobbies, and probably future topics on her blog: gardening, symphonic music (especially supporting the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra as a volunteer and proud parent of a violinist, a cellist, and an oboist), singing, book clubs, and co-teaching a weekly small-group Bible study for seniors. She volunteers and substitute teaches at Covenant Christian School, and serves as a board member of the Best Yet Set senior group at church. Foundationally, she daily enjoys God's divine appointments called Godincidences, which show God's providence and loving kindness.