Today is Christmas Day. A quiet and unusual Christmas Day for us.

Our children do not arrive until later this week. The tree is sagging. The light in the Moravian star has burned out.

I’m recovering from the flu, and still eating toast and tea.

Poor Tim will probably have a pbj sandwich in the shape of a Christmas tree. So much for a festive dinner.

Such a great holiday. No sarcasm.

If we focus on the trimmings and traditions—and you know I love traditions— it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important.

The gift of each other.

The gift of a loving God.

The gift of life–yours and those entrusted to your care.

And so I pray that when your loved one is cranky, whether he is 2 or 52, you will remember he is a gift. As you are to him.

Merry Christmas!