The Saturday Journal: The Christmas Letter

He was carrying this tin box–with colors of golds and reds and greens and his grip was tight on what looked like a Christmas box filled with candies and cookies. And his face wore the brightest of smiles, and in a rush he turned to me and said, ‘Christmas! Christmas! Christmas is almost here! I’m so excited!’

His name--I’ll call him Sam.

Sam, I’m sorry. I forgot to give you your Christmas card this year. So if you don’t mind, I’ll write a letter to you instead. I’ll make it a Christmas letter. I know how much you love Christmas!

Dear Sam,

I was talking to a lady the other day about how much you loved Christmas and I asked her just how old you were. She told me and I was surprised. I thought you were younger–which is always a good thing–at least for me to hear that–us older folks like it when people tell us we don’t look our age. I asked her another question–where does he live? And she told me. But Sam, what I wasn’t prepared for–was the rest of your story–which she freely told.

She said you were adopted at an early age–that you were dropped off at your neighbor’s house. You were supposed to stay for only a little while, and your Mama–she never came back. And your neighbors–they later adopted you. As she told me your story my arms grew heavier–maybe it was the chill bumps–you know, those emotions the heart can’t seem to hold and they burst out and take root elsewhere on our bodies.

Sam, I’m ashamed to say I was mad at your Mama when I first heard this–called her heartless–out loud. But then I thought about my grandmother–the grandmother I never met. You see, my Daddy was adopted too. And once I learned more about my grandmother’s story, I believe now she did the best thing for her son–my Daddy. And maybe that was the same for you and your Mama. I don’t know. But maybe she wasn’t so much heartless when she left–as she was hopeless. And, heartbroken.

Being adopted is not a bad thing, Sam, actually it is a wonderful thing and I bet your parents would wholeheartedly agree. You’ve been in their lives for a long time now–a gift you have been. I’m sure there were times it wasn't easy for any of you over the years. The best of families have struggles and trials, but where there is love and acceptance–there is the treasure--the gift called family.

Can I tell you a story before I end this Christmas letter? It’s a true story–just like yours. It’s actually a Christmas story–the only Christmas Story. And it’s filled with surprises, adoption, sacrifices, miracles, and a deep love–much like your story, Sam. You’ve probably heard the story before. I hope so….

A young girl named Mary, she was engaged to marry Joseph. They loved each other. But something happened before they got married. Something unexpected happened. They never planned on having a newborn baby right away. And Joseph never planned on his soon-to-be wife having anyone else’s child, other than his own. Mary, she wasn’t unfaithful to Joseph. This baby was special–He was God’s child–and when He was born–they called His name Jesus. Christ Jesus. He grew up. He was wise. He served people–loving them and performing many miracles of healing and restoration. But not everyone liked Jesus and His teachings. They didn’t believe He was the Son of God and they killed Him. Hung Him on a cross to die a terrible death. You know what, Sam–they thought they had seen and heard the last of Jesus. But, they were so wrong!. He came to earth--was a baby in the manger–He died on the cross as a man and He arose three days later–alive! He overcame death for us! And He lives in heaven now with His Father. He did all of this because He loves us and He wants us all to make our home in heaven one day–with Him. That’s a great love, isn’t it!! He was a gift to Mary and Joseph on that first Christmas and He’s still the gift to all of us today. He’s the Christ in our Christmas and He’s the best gift we will ever receive!

Merry Christmas Sam! I pray you have the best Christmas ever. And don’t eat too many cookies and candies!!

Your friend always,

I pray each of you and your families have a

Merry Christmas

filled with rest, much joy, and many blessings.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given:

and the government shall be upon His shoulder:

and His name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth

in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

The Saturday Journal will return on the first Saturday in 2024--January 6.

I have a story project that God has laid on my heart and I desire your prayers.

And I'm working on a few more writing projects and I will share more about those in a few weeks.

And The Saturday Journal will continue, Lord willing.

I am grateful beyond words for each of you--every kind word--every prayer, and every word of encouragement. I could not do this without God, first and foremost,

And you, my readers--my friends--my family.

It's humbling to say the least that God has chosen me to serve in this way.

The gift is HIS. For HIS Glory Alone.

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Psalm 26:7

Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

Psalm 144:1

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Titus 2:13