This was the first Christmas eve and Christmas Day that I’ve spent away from Linda in 32 years.
It’s the first time we didn’t have all the kids at our house for Christmas dinner and opening of presents.
It’s the first time we didn’t watch a Christmas movie together while having hot chocolate or spiced tea and eating pumpkin pie.
I must admit I was feeling a little blue thinking about sleeping alone at home and waking up Christmas morning without Linda, who has stayed in the Dallas area with our daughter and new born grandson.
Then I thought of my long time friend Andy. This is his first Christmas in 34 years without his wife Carol.
He too will sleep alone and wake up Christmas morning without her.
She will not be there for Christmas dinner.
She will not be there for New Year’s or any other time.
Carol went home to be with the Lord earlier this year leaving Andy to face life by himself until the Lord determines to reunite them.
Andy is not alone in this; there are many others facing all kinds of hardships during Christmas.
That first Christmas family faced hardships too.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7
That little family faced traveling a great distance, no comfortable place to stay, rest, and sleep.
They also had to bring a Baby into the world away from friends and family; there was no one to help Mary and share with her little things about babies.
If they can survive more hardships and difficult times than I’ve ever seen, then Andy and I can also survive and press on.
Andy and I may not have our wives with us for Christmas but we will always have Jesus!