Christmas as I now see it

Christmas has become somewhat of a bittersweet thing for me. I know it to be the birth of my LORD and SAVIOR and a day of rememberance and celebration of such an event. As I grow older each year I am reminded of years past, family members now gone, and new things to deal with as an adult. My son, GOD bless him, is a great reminder of how we should still be like children on Christmas and appreciate those who gave their lives for us and the gift that Jesus was and is for us. My wife keeps me centered in a lifestyle that is a reminder that I need to put them first (after God of course). My father reminds me of how not to be as a gift giver and that you really should put a little thought and some heart into giving. Don't give "just to give," not that you don't appreciate what people do give, but there needs to be some iota thought in it.
My aunt died this year. She was the last little bit of my mom that I had left physically here on earth. Both do live on in spirit and heart of course, but we would go to her house and exchange gifts and make Christmas dinner as a family. I have enjoyed this for 39 years, and I will now miss it for more than that if God is willing to let me live that long.
Short lived depression can make for a very moody 3Esteeve. I was very rude to my family and I know I was taking this bit of sorrow out on them and it was not fair. God has blessed me with a wife that stays with me, even through all the crap I have put her through (their is plenty of crap too). I am amazed at how she loves me unconditionally, just as Jesus loves us unconditionally. I think I'm starting to understand it all. What a great teacher He is, what a great wife she is. I'll get better as a father and husband as long as I keep God First, and my family second.
God Bless you all, may the power of His Holy Spirit come and change your life, as he continues to change my daily.

3e
Steeve Hives