by Renae Richardson

Created on: June 25, 2008   Last Updated: November 29, 2009

While looking over the archives of massive e-mails received over the past five years, I came across one from my husband. This particular e-mail did not seem any more extraordinary than the others which vied for my attention. Somehow, this particular e-mail arrested my full attention. The subject line read "Here's wishing everyone good health, and a Merry Christmas". I was instantaneously drawn to this Christmas message sent over four years ago. In fact, I felt just like a child re-opening a special gift.

The message that I found within the body of the e-mail was delightful and filled with warm wishes from a husband on deployment so many miles away. The sentiment I felt at that moment filled me with soothing warmth. I was elated and overjoyed, but there was more to the message.

Years ago upon receipt of the e-mail I had been unable to open the file attached. However, the recent acquirement of faster technology allowed me to do for the first time that which I could not do four years ago. With much anticipation I opened this attachment. The display was breath-taking. Each slide was filled with majestic scenes of winter. Sloping hills blanketed in ivory, sparkling fire-places set against a background of gaily lit Christmas lights, and bright stars in a black satin sky, were only a few of the beauty frames that waltzed across my screen. In a masterpiece of beauty the entire slide show was set to the motion of the melody "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas". I was awe-struck. However, it was not solely the melody or frames that pulled on my heart strings. There was something else which made the message shine as bright and brilliant as the star of Bethlehem.

What could be so beautiful?

In every slide there was a blessing. Each slide reminded me of the poverty that has engulfed the world; impoverished people, lives, and souls. In turn each slide reminded me of the bounty of the Lord's treasure. There were many moments when I paused in thought and surveyed my own existence. I thought of all the things I had acquired throughout life, and I wondered. . I wondered how many times I had refused to thank God for all He had given me. I wondered how many times had I chosen to complain about my lack. I thought about those who prayed for just a momentary glimpse of the things that I have embraced for a lifetime. I thought about my unconcern about such matters before that day. I thought about all the meals eaten with complaint or ingratitude to the procurer and the cook. Then

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