MY FIRST THOUGHT upon waking that morning was: "It's almost Christmas!" But it wasn't a thought that made me happy. Instead, I felt overwhelmed by all the holiday preparations I still needed to finish before my grandsons arrived. And I didn't have anyone to help me.
Normally, I like to begin each morning by feeling God's presence and affirming my oneness with Him. So it was distressing to find the spiritual foundation of my day crowded out by details and worry—especially at Christmas.
For me, Christmas is a time for a renewed appreciation of the Christ, the message of God's love for humanity that dwells in each of us, in our very deepest affections. Isaiah says, "For unto us a child is born,unto us a son is given." Isa. 9:6. A child is a precious gift, something that must be loved and cared for, something that must grow in our hearts.
