Christmas: Unchanging Joy

For the first time in 55 years, I (and my family) am celebrating Christmas without Tony. Should I wallow in grief? 

Not. 

Christmas joy must prevail. It is rooted in the unchanging nature of God and the timeless message of Jesus' birth, love, and salvation, rather than fleeting earthly circumstances or emotions. 

Grace has taught me, as a believer in Scripture, that unlike temporary happiness, which is dependent on things like gifts, perfect family dynamics, or positive conditions, true joy is a stable, internal state that endures. Regardless of life's dark seasons, Jesus is. He is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). 

For me, the foundation of this Christmas joy is immune to the shifting shadows of life. It is a reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and promises. 

The Christmas message is timeless: that God sent His Son to offer hope, love, peace, and salvation to all people. It changes not from years of bad news and devastation getting worse every day. 

While Christmas 2025 involves a roller-coaster of my emotions, the underlying joy is constant because it connects to divine love and presence of God made accessible through Jesus' birth. 

Our family Christmas traditions continue: 

Son #3 prepares the turkey and go-withs, aided by mother Teresa . . . I do the turkey booties . . . son #2 and family send a fiesta feast good for a mob . . . son #1 serves a spread of charcuterie (gift from a friend) on the dining table, takes photos, and munch on a drumstick . . . Aie is always a supportive and affirming presence . . . we all pig out (this year on a new dining table in a newly renovated 48-year-old house).

Then I shriek with hysteria over my new Bible and books plus other presents . . . I sob over a now defunct tradition of Tony grinning widely, receiving his new Prince Valiant book from son #1 (I can dwell on that forever as a memory) . . . I go to bed before midnight; and finally . . . 

We each thank the newborn King, the risen Savior, personally during our quiet moments before a restful night to wake up to new blessings on Christmas day.

Merry CHRISTmas!