There are 18 of them and they extend across the entire mantle above the fireplace. There is no question – they are my favorite Christmas decoration. Oh, but they are so much more than decoration. They are a testament to the blessing of life. You see, these are the pictures of the Prior boys with Santa!
Each picture evokes a memory of not only a certain time, but of a certain chapter of life with our kids. One look and I can remember bedtime stories, building a tree house or skiing for the first time.
Standing on a small stool, it did not take much for his long lanky arms to place the angel atop the Christmas tree. As he did so, I had one of those “moments.” Ever since they were little, this was the much sought after task of one of the boys; so much so that we had to set up a rotating system. Watching our eldest this year, I began to ponder; would this be his last time?
He has already been accepted to two colleges and much of his focus is on the next chapter in his life. He has such great expectations, and so too do his parents.
As Christmas morning comes, we will once again embrace the blessing of the day. It will be a day that embodies the coming of our Lord: filled with memory – filled with expectation.
As you hopefully gather with those you love this Christmas, may the coming of our Lord fill you with the blessing of sweet memories and the joy of great anticipation!