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This Christmas Day, I won't be seeing most of my eleven grandchildren. Almost all of them are married, and some have children. So, I decided to write a letter to them, which I am sharing with you, in the hope that you will be able to personalize it with your own memories.
Dear Grandchildren,
I wanted to share with you some thoughts and memories as we celebrate this most meaningful day.
On Christmas Day, we remember family and fellowship, food and fun, laughter and music, and most of all, love, as we recognize God's greatest gift to us — His Son and our Saviour — Jesus Christ.
We mark this day by giving gifts. I well remember the first Christmas of our eldest grandchild. You were surrounded by many presents that your uncles helped you open. While they tried to teach you how to operate your new toys, you seemed more interested in the boxes and wrapping paper!
Over the years, you have all enjoyed Grandma's cooking, especially the shortbreads and apple pies. Remember how she often included others on Christmas Day who didn't have family like you did? I hope you follow that same tradition as you are able.
Music was always a central feature of Christmas. Remember gathering around the piano and singing carols? I remember that one year, following an excellent dinner, Michael and Sarah were assigned to meet with the other children and recommend what game that they would like to play. To our pleasant surprise, you returned with the decision that everyone just wanted to sing more carols.
Over the years, you have all attended the annual Christmas program at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. I was privileged to attend earlier this month, and it was again thrilling to hear thousands of people singing carols. I hope that you have included lots of music this Christmas, particularly celebrating Jesus, the reason for the season.
Finally, the most important factor is the sharing of love. You have seen it in your parents and grandparents, and I am confident that you, with children of your own, will set the same example for my great-grandchildren. Remember that it is all because of God's gift to us.
Luke 2:11-14 – "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (NIV)
With lots of love and prayers,
Grandpa W.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the greatest gift of all, Your Son, Jesus. As we reflect on memories of the past and gifts of the present, may each of us recognize the most important gift of all. May we show our appreciation by accepting Jesus as our Saviour and sharing Your great love with others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Beautifully written in love.
Great idea, Vincent! Thanks for sharing!
Very touching, Vincent. Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Vincent, and a blessed and merry Christmas to you.
A beautiful lovely Family Christmas Letter devotional this morning brother Vince with the Love of Jesus coming through Loud and Clear! Thank you!
Hello
A very warm-hearted Christmas wish going your way!!! You are special.
God bless.
Thank you so much for your “Letter from Grandpa”. Wonderful thoughts and beautiful memories, it meant a lot to me, and such a wonderful way to begin my day. Merry Christmas to you and God’s blessing now and in 2019.
Merry Christmas to you Vincent.
Thank you for sharing your lovely letter.
Blessings,
(BC)
Vincent Walter
Thank You for your wonderful praise prayers. May God bless you and yours with His joy and peace this Holy season and 2019.
(Ontario)
Thank you. I miss my Mom. She went to see the Lord two years ago. This year there are only four of us. But, the Lord is faithful and we are well.
Thank you for listening to the Holy Spirit!
Thank you for your Christmas letter. It made me smile and this is an excellent way to begin my day. You have remembered the lost sheep by sending this not only to your grandchildren but reminding those of us with grown children the true message of Christmas Peace and joy in Christ to you and good health in the new year.
Dear Walter, That was truly a wonderful Christmas letter. So sorry you are not with your family on Christmas Day. Memories of your family also compare to mine. If their Grandpa were living, he would write a similar letter. How great to know they were brought up in a Christian family, with love and faith. May you have a blessed Christmas, with music and love.
Dear Vince,
Thanks for another beautiful and very meaningful devotional. Great letter you have written for your grandchildren and may they carry on your traditions through future generations.
Blessings to you as you celebrate this special season praising the birth of our loving Jesus.
(B.C.)
Hi Vincent:
Loved your Christmas reminiscences today and especially your thoughts on the most precious gift of all – God’s love in the person of Jesus.
May you know His hope, peace, joy and love this Christmas.
With gratitude for sharing these special devotionals.
Blessings.
Dear Mr. Walter,
I pray that your beloved relatives will appreciate you writing this devotional especially for them. And I pray that others will share it with their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Thank you for sharing. Keep writing,
God bless you this Christmas and forever.
Hi Vincent,
Your devotional today caused me to sit down and write a letter to my grandchildren. Thank you for reminding me.
Preparing for a church service this morning and on Christmas day had pushed the grandchildren into the temporary background.
We wish you a blessed Christmas.
Beautiful memories but why is Grandpa alone? Sad.
Dear Vincent, A very wonderful letter to your grandchildren and great grandchildren. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas and I look forward to more of your inspiring devotionals.
Dear Mr Walter,
I wanted to let you know I so enjoyed your last two devotionals again. You always seem to inspire me in my Christian walk with Jesus. Your devotionals are so down to earth and I enjoy them so very much. Thank You.
May you have a Blessed Christmas with your fellow residents there in your senior home there in Toronto. I am sure you are a real Blessing to them.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and Blessings in the New Year.
(On.)
Thanks for the memories.
As children grow up and families increase, many things change.
But as the love, laughter, food and fellowship fill our homes and hearts, we thank God that it is because of Him we have something wonderful to celebrate.