When Lyrics Speak - If You Could See What I See

As many of you may know I lost my grandfather this year. I knew this Christmas would be different, that it would be hard. I love Christmas, but part of me was dreading it. I wish so badly I could go back to last Christmas and appreciate the time I had with him more. I wish I hadn't been so wrapped up in what was going on in my world and just enjoyed the time spent with him.

Some of the Santas on display

We always spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning breakfast with my dad's parents. And every year we knew at least one thing to expect under the tree. My grandfather was an amazing woodcarver. And being the first grandchild and only girl, I was spoiled just a little. For my first Christmas, he carved a Santa Claus. I'm sure he had no idea what he started when he did that. Each year after, he carved a different type of Santa. Many people locally knew of his carvings and started requesting the Santas each year for Christmas. We have all different types from St. Nicholas to the Old World Russian Santa to a Storybook Santa. He would carve them, and my grandmother painted them. As I got older, I got to help pick out which one he was going to carve that year and even write a story that went with the Santa that year. Last year, he was so weak and had just gotten out of the hospital, but he still managed to make my brother and me a Santa each.

Tonight when we open presents, there'll be one special gift missing -- one special person missing. As much as we miss him, I know he's much better off. I know that he's going to have the best Christmas he's ever had. If we could see what he's seeing now, we wouldn't wish him back for anything.

I can't think of a better song to sum up the first Christmas without a loved one than "If You Could See What I See." While the presents of this earth seem so special -- and they are -- it's nothing compared to the glory of Heaven.

As much as I love Christmas, I know that it's tough for a lot of us this year, whether you've lost a grandparent, parent, sibling or spouse. I'm thankful for the hope we have in Christ that one day we'll be reunited and share in what He sees now.