At the age of ten, I remember opening the hall door and peeking into the living room. My eyes must have sparkled when the twinkling Christmas tree lights lit up the otherwise dark room. A gasp slipped from my lips, and I quickly slapped my hand over my mouth for fear I’d wake up everyone else in the house. The multi-colored glistening of the lights bounced off my new bicycle that stood by the tree. I couldn’t help but giggle with excitement. This scene would have made a great Christmas commercial.
Knowing I’d been told not to open that door until my parents woke up Christmas morning, I eased the door closed and tip-toed back to bed. What was probably only minutes seemed like hours while I lay there wide awake imagining what it would be like to be riding my new bike. How did Santa get it inside anyway? We didn’t have a chimney.
Another Christmas I remember telling my brother-in-law that I was praying for snow. The weather was cold and overcast as our family gathered at my parents home to open gifts and enjoy a festive mid-day meal. HeJack laughed and joked with me about praying for a white Christmas when the weather didn’t seem to fit with my request. I laughed with him, but I told him the day wasn’t over.
About an hour passed and what do you know? It started snowing. Laughter filled the house as everyone had heard our remarks about snow. To this day, if my brother-in-law is working on Christmas, he tells me not to pray for snow because he’s out on the streets making deliveries. I think it’s funny that he tells me when it’s okay for me to pray for a white Christmas.
Today, my prayers have shifted, and my wishlist changed. My goals and dreams as a writer have me taking in more of the details of a Christmas setting. I watch everyone’s facial expressions and body language as they interact with each other and open gifts. I pray for peace, joy, and happiness for my family, friends, and, well, everyone.
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 NIV”
What about you? What are you praying for this year? What are your favorite Christmas memories?
May joy fill your home, may all your dreams come true, and may all your prayers be answered.
Merry Christmas!
Loretta
I love this! Plus all of our great Christmas memories together!!
I do too, Tracy! So many memories that we could write about. Thank you for your comment!