A Christmas Letter

Dear Friends and Family:

We got a very nice Christmas card from one of our best high school teachers yesterday.  It included a Christmas letter, and she mentioned how much she enjoyed the one that I wrote last year.  That made me a little sad.

We didn't send out letters with our Christmas cards this year.  Letter writing is my department, and I didn't have it in me.  Last year I sucked it up and wrote the letter as a difficult year came to a close.  But this year, with the death of my mother still at the forefront of my thoughts, I just couldn't do it.

And in truth that wasn't the only reason I was having trouble getting into the holiday spirit.   Some demons that have been chasing me for a long time had caught up with me again, right about the time I should have been writing that letter.

Luckily, I've once again given them the slip.  Maybe this time, if I focus on  what I know to be true, I can leave them permanently in the dust cloud of the last three years.  

This is what I know:

The reason we're celebrating is that Jesus Christ came to Earth a couple thousand years ago.  He came here to save us--that means you and me--from the sins and sorrow that can keep us from doing the things we know we should.

I know  that my family is due for a run of good luck after the rough few years we've had, but I know too that being due something doesn't mean you're going to get it.  If there's one thing I've learned since 2009, it's that nobody is entitled to anything.

I know, however, that whatever happens my family will prevail.  Jake, Nick, Brett, Kim and I will take what God gives us and say goodbye to whatever He takes away.  Come what may, we can't lose as long as we're together.

Finally, I know that I'm looking forward to Christmas and that right now I'm eagerly awaiting the end of one of the longest nights of the year.  Because I know that one of the greatest gifts God has given us is the Promise of a New Day.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Sincerely,

Matt

Comments

[Exurban Cowgirl]

I'm crying into my coffee Matt-great post! I know you all have gone through a lot recently but also know how grateful you are for those handsome, healthy boys. A letter from Mrs. S really puts things into perspective when you think about what she has gone through!

[Kim]

Well said. Looking forward to 2012! Love you!