Christmas Morning (Flash Fiction)

“And there were in the same country shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night…”

He listened to the childish voice carefully read over the words of the familiar story. Snow fell gently outside the windows, making the dim morning light slightly darker. It was barely seven a.m., but he couldn’t blame the kids for waking up with shrieks and laughter before the sun had even risen.

It was Christmas morning, after all.

The lights on the Christmas tree twinkled as the little family sat snugly around the fire. He looked into the faces of each of his children, their hair still tousled from sleep, their little feet warmly clad in plush slippers. His eldest, now eight years old, diligently read from the Luke 2 passage, while his younger son and toddler daughter listened intently, their eyes shining in anticipation.

For a moment, his heart wavered as he gazed at his children, a mingling of overwhelming love and thankfulness washing over him. How had he ever gone through a day without noticing how precious they were?

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news…”

Good news. The words sealed his heart like a balm.

His mind flowed back to a dark time in his life, one filled with doubt and fear and misery.

But the Good News had claimed him, reminded him of what redemption is, pulled him from the mire.

He’d been shown firsthand how high and deep and long and wide is the love of Christ.

“Glory to God in the highest…”

Yes, all glory is yours, God.

He swallowed the lump in his throat, joy leaping through him as he thought of his Savior.

“But Mary pondered these things in her heart…”

He looked over at his wife, nearly unable to keep the tears at bay. How he loved her. She caught his eye and sent him a secret smile. He winked at her.

He could live a thousand years and never forget this moment.

It was a moment only possible because of the miraculous love of Christ.

****************************

Last week, my F.F. was late, but this week it's early since I'm fully expecting to be up to my ears in baking and wrapping this Friday. Merry Christmas everyone! Take time to be thankful to the only One worth celebrating!