The Thrill of Hope

When I think back on Christmas’s past, the feeling of hope comes to mind. Growing up, Christmas Eve held a little more magic than Christmas day. The anticipation of what was to come and the hope that came with the anticipation was a magical feeling. The excitement of going to Grandma and Grandpa Nield’s for the yearly Christmas Eve program. Wondering how all my aunts, uncles, and cousins were going to fit in the tiny house but always feeling like there was room for more. Wondering what everyone would do for their part of the program. The excitement of hearing the out of tune piano played. Hearing Silent Night sung in German. Candy bags sent from Santa. Accompanying my dad and sisters as they sang a Christmas song. The cousin gift exchange. Grandpa reading the Christmas story. Grandma and Grandpa in their chairs loving every moment in a house that was always a little too warm. Heading to Grandma and Grandpa Johnson’s on the way home, knowing we would have to eat again and always finding room for one more bite. Getting a gumball on the way in and a marshmallow wreath made of cornflakes on the way out. The smell of my Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house is one I miss to this day.

I remember when we would drive through Rigby, seeing Santa’s sleigh and reindeer on the side of the road and the excitement that would come to my belly. Seeing the Christmas lights on the houses, we passed. Looking to the sky for signs of Santa and a red nose, hoping that this would be the year I’d see it. The feeling of excitement for Christmas morning before a gift had been opened and the hope that Santa would come.

As I think back on the Christmas’s of my youth, I realize that my greatest memories were made on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve was full of hope. The hope of family and the knowledge of eternal love. The hope of Christmas morning and the knowledge that it would come.

This year it has been easy to lose hope, and this year has been full of hope. I am grateful for the gift of spending more time with family. Of slowing down and finding what truly matters. Developing new talents and awakening old talents time had forgotten. I am grateful for the connection I am making with my Heavenly Mother. The stronger connection I have with Her Son and the hope that connection brings. I am grateful for the birth of Christ and His gift of hope. On this Christmas Eve, I am grateful for the thrill of hope.

December 24, 2020 ©