You know what I get to do today? Christmas cards! A big ol’ box of ’em awaits, and I’m excited about it. Kevin has appointments all day, so I’m giving myself the day off and I’m going to sit here in this chair, with a stack of Christmas movies, and work my way through precious people in my life, smiling as I see each name and address, and writing wishes to each one.

Christmas cards are expensive, to buy and to mail. They take a lot of time, too, but I think they’re worth it. Sadly, they’ve gotten to be viewed as a chore, or another thing to add to the Christmas to-do list. And, like everything else, they’ve gone techno, with companies offering to print your name, envelopes, and even mail them for you, if you upload your address list. You can order and never see them again! If you do this, there is no judgment here. I order them online, too! But I still like to write a Christmas letter, and a personal note on the bottom. I like to address my own, and stick on my own Christmas stamp.

I’m not saying this to imply that I’m a Christmas superstar; far from it. I’m saying it because there is something special about holding a card in your hand, writing out your thoughts with the personal stamp of your own handwriting, and sending it out knowing that the person you love will hold it on the other end.

Recently, when I was helping clean out my aunt’s closet after her death, I smiled as we found drawer after drawer, and bag after bag of cards and letters. Years and years of saved correspondence, some marking something important, others offering a few words of thanks. She kept them all because she treasured the words, and the people who sent them. I would venture to guess that you have at least a few cards or letters that you’ve kept over the years; I know I do. Words matter, and when the person who wrote them is gone, there is something especially sweet about running your fingers across their handwriting, so personal and unique, that brings you back together in that moment.

That’s what the Word of God is about. It’s a love letter written especially for you, containing everything you need to know the heart of the One Who wrote it. It may not be in His handwriting, but it was transcribed with the infusion of His very breath, living and active and completely new no matter how many times you pick it up. This Christmas season, hold that Letter in your hands and read the story of that first Christmas when He gave you His very best gift. Run your fingers across the words, so personal and unique, and you’ll find it brings you into His presence in that moment, just like an old letter from a treasured loved one.

Then, maybe write out a few Christmas cards, or simple greetings, in your own hand. View it as a treat, and you’ll feel the same joy as the recipient as they read the words of your heart, so glad that you wrote it down.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God” 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 ESV

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103 ESV