You know what?

You know what? I only get Christmas day off this year. That means that my family gets to go see relatives and I don’t. Not that I was looking forward to seeing folks that complain every time something goes wrong, but I just want the time off to be with MY family.

You know what? I feel that every business in America should allow its employees the week between Christmas and New Years the opportunity (if they want) to spend time with friends and family.

You know what? You should not have to save your well-earned vacation time for he last holiday of the year. Maybe America should shut down for a week. I wonder what would happen if that took place?

You know what? I work part time for a boss who listens to Christmas music all year long. He loves Christmas. He also takes the week between Christmas and New Year EVERY year and does something with his family. That’s pretty cool but you know what, I usually don’t get to. Maybe I am being selfish. Maybe I am being petty. Maybe I want what he has. Maybe I’m wrong.

You know what? I have family who gets together every Christmas Eve to spend time with one another. From the Great Grandparents all the way down to the newest Great Grandbaby, they’re all there and I mean 40 to 50 people. And the food…man oh man. I usually am just getting off from work about the time they are getting together. It’s almost impossible to be with them because they are hours away from where I live.

You know what? I don’t really get into Christmas lights and things like that.

But….

You know what? I do get into filling a shoebox for “Operation Christmas Child.” Ever since I have started filling these boxes, I look forward to spending the evening with my family looking for the prefect toys and other items we feel that some special child would be able to play with and use throughout the next year. I love the feeling that the kids who receive my box will have something they wouldn’t normally have.

You know what? I enjoy watching my own kids and my wife on Christmas morning all opening their presents. I don’t know why but it does bring joy to my heart. Seeing smiles on their faces is what I want to see and enjoy the most. You know what? I don’t always show that to them. I want to do better in that area. What I do want my family to know is that I love them and I love Jesus. I want my family to grow up in a home where going to church on Sunday isn’t a chore but a privilege. Yes a privilege!

You know what? I have, for as long as I can remember woken up on Christmas morning saying this little prayer. “Happy Birthday Jesus.” I’ve never told this to anyone before.

You know what? Not even my wife.

You know what? I am your everyday-go to work-guy. And I have to say, it’s Christmas. Enjoy it. It’s God’s gift to you.