“Observations”©

Donald S. Conkey

Date: 24 December 2009 - # 9552 – The Spirit of Christmas brings joy to families (818)

Isn’t it amazing what the Spirit of Christmas does to bring so much joy into the lives of so many people? Not just to the children – it certainly blesses their lives – but to all people, from the teens to the aged. The idea that the life of just one individual, Jesus Christ, could make such a difference in the lives of billions is in itself totally amazing, almost unbelievable. Yet it is true for me and fellow believers. It happened and is happening daily. This one Man has changed the lives of millions, those who have taken the time to ponder His life, accept Him, accept his teachings - and then follow in His footsteps.

His influence in my life began in 1956, in a one bedroom apartment on the campus of Michigan State University. And for over fifty-three years I have tried to walk in His footsteps. At times it was difficult, but that Spirit He emulates gave me the confidence to continue walking in his footsteps, through both good and bad times. Many times I felt it was too hard, but I held on, having faith it would get better. And it always did!

The crowning joy of being a follower of this Man, the Savior of the world, of being his spiritual son, of being a mortal son, with a mortal father, of being a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a great grandfather was realized recently as I stood at the alter in a House of the Lord and performed the marriage of my namesake grandson. No words that can express the joy of watching a grandson take the hand of his intended bride and then proceed with their marriage ceremony and then pronounce them husband and wife for time and eternity. Pure joy!

But the joy that was felt during this marriage ceremony has been felt many times over the past fifty-three years. That feeling of joy is available to everyone. It can be felt whenever a child is born, be it your own, a grandchild, or a great grandchild. It is felt when death takes a loved one; a child or parent knowing that He waits beyond the grave, with salvation and eternal life his gift for the good life. It is felt when one accepts the true role of fatherhood or motherhood who teach their children, by word and example, the correct principles for living the good life, which includes teaching them the laws of our land, as well as one’s own religious beliefs, in my case the doctrines of Christ and His Church, then watching them grow into maturity making wise choices, overcoming bad choices, which everyone make, and moving forward into adulthood and taking their place in society as responsible law abiding citizens, and enriching our lives with their little ones that come along to perpetuate the family name.

No other individual has had such an influence for good on the population of the world! Why would anyone want to destroy such a national tradition that brings such joy and happiness into the lives of so many? Yet there are. And they work hard trying to destroy this wonderful Christ-centered tradition that is celebrated wherever there are Christian families. This is difficult to understand, yet from the time Eve was tempted in the Garden of Eden, the Tempter has tried to destroy His great Plan of Happiness.

Many of my many Christmases have been celebrated during difficult times, many during times of war, but our family always took time to remember the birthday of He who is the Prince of Peace, real peace, not peace as the world knows peace (no war), but that inner peace that only comes from knowing the source of real peace, He whose birthday we celebrate tomorrow.

Around our home the days leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are busy days filled with shopping for loved ones (mostly Joan), decorating our home (all Joan), cooking great dishes (split between me and Joan), and attending Christmas parties, including gathering with old friends who have been friends for nearly 50 years.

And tonight, Christmas Eve, like thousands here in Cherokee County and other millions around the world Joan and I will read of the birth of Christ as found in Luke, and quietly marvel at this world-changing event. As we gather our families around us tonight and tomorrow, let us take a moment and share with our family how God’s gift of His Son has influenced their lives and the freedom we enjoy because of His teachings, then ponder our blessings as an American, of living in a land of freedom, a freedom established by He whom we remember on “Christ-mas” Day. This week it should be Merry Christmas, next week it can be Happy New Year, and together they can be the “Happy Holiday Season,” a season for rejoicing. Merry Christmas to all!