Your First Christmas

In this heartfelt letter to my grandson Isaiah, I reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—a season centered on love, relationships, and the incredible gift of Jesus Christ. As Isaiah prepares to celebrate his very first Christmas, I share the timeless story of God’s love and what it means to carry that love forward in life.

This episode is a reminder for all of us to cherish family, practice selfless giving, and embrace the joy of being fully present with those we love. Join me in exploring the beauty of Christmas and the lessons we can pass down to the next generation.

May this letter inspire you to focus on what truly matters this season: love, faith, and togetherness.

Transcript

Letters to Isaiah

December 22, 2024

As a father, a grandfather, and someone who values the lessons life has taught me, I want to leave a legacy of love, wisdom, and faith for  my Grandson, Isaiah, to carry with him as he grows.

These letters are my way of speaking into his life even when I'm not physically there. They’re filled with stories, lessons, and biblical principles that I hope will shape his character and help guide him on his journey. Life moves fast, and sometimes we can get caught up in the everyday hustle, so I want to ensure that Isaiah knows the most important things in life: that he is deeply loved, that faith is a foundation he can always lean on, and that relationships, love, and faith are what truly matter in this world.

I want these letters to be more than just words. I want them to be a reminder  that he has a family who believes in him and a God who loves him unconditionally. My prayer is that when he reads these letters in the years to come, he’ll find wisdom, encouragement, and, above all, love to carry him through whatever life brings.

Thank you for joining me in this journey. I hope these letters can inspire all of us to reflect on the values we want to pass down to the next generation."

Dear Isaiah,

As I sit here today, just a few days away from your very first Christmas, I can’t help but think about how blessed we are to have you in our lives. It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, you were only a thought in our hearts, and now you’re here, full of life, smiles, and wonder. This Christmas, though you are too young to understand all that’s happening, it’s a moment I’ll always cherish—God willing, one of many more to come. And as I write this letter, I want to share something very important with you about what Christmas truly means.

You see, as you grow older, you will likely be surrounded by all the excitement that comes with the holiday season—decorations, presents, parties, and festive meals. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying these things, I want to make sure that you never forget what Christmas is really about. It’s not about the sparkling new toys, the wrapping paper, or even the big dinner on the table. No, Christmas is about something far greater.

Christmas is about love and relationships—first and foremost, it’s about the love God has for us and the love we share with each other. It’s about the togetherness of family and friends, and the joy that comes from being present with those we care about. The true gift of Christmas is the love we give and receive, and the way we come together to celebrate the greatest gift we’ve ever been given: Jesus Christ.

The Heart of Christmas: A Love Story

The story of Christmas is a love story, Isaiah. It’s a story about a God who loves us so deeply that He sent His Son to be born in a humble manger in Bethlehem, a child who would grow to bring hope, salvation, and eternal love to the world. In Matthew 1:23, the angel tells Joseph that Mary will give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” This, Isaiah, is the heart of Christmas: God coming down to be with us, to show us His love and to call us into a relationship with Him.

Now, let me tell you why this is so important. God didn’t have to do this. He didn’t have to send Jesus, but He chose to, because His love for us is unconditional. He wanted us to know that we are never alone, and no matter how far we wander, His love is always there, surrounding us, waiting for us to come back to Him. Jesus, God’s own Son, came to show us what true love looks like—sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional.

A Lesson in Giving and Receiving Love

As you grow, you’ll likely find yourself caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, and it can be easy to focus on all the things you want or the things others give to you. But Christmas isn’t about the gifts or the toys you get. It’s about giving love and receiving love. It’s about relationships—the bond we share with family and friends—and the way we show each other that we are loved and valued.

Remember the words of Jesus in John 13:34-35:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus didn’t just talk about love; He lived it. He showed it in everything He did, in His actions, His words, and the way He treated others. As you grow, Isaiah, I hope you’ll follow that example and show love to everyone you meet. Christmas is the perfect time to practice this—by giving of yourself, by being present with your family and friends, and by loving with your whole heart.

Family and Togetherness

One of the most precious gifts of Christmas is the opportunity to be together with those you love. Christmas is a time for families to gather, for friends to reunite, and for us to create memories that last a lifetime. But family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the relationships we choose to nurture and the people we decide to love. We are all part of God’s family, and the bond we share is a reflection of His love for us.

As I think about the Christmases we’ll have in the future, Isaiah, I look forward to the moments we’ll share. I look forward to seeing you grow and learning about the man you will become. But most of all, I look forward to the times when we’ll sit together, sharing stories, laughter, and love. The gifts we give each other—whether tangible or not—are simply expressions of the love we already share. The best gift we can give one another is to be fully present, to listen, to care, and to love with all our hearts.

What I’m about to share with you is The True Spirit of Christmas

I want you to know, Isaiah, that Christmas isn’t about the rush of shopping, the pressure of giving the perfect gift, or the excitement of receiving. It’s about slowing down and appreciating the beauty of this life—the people around you, the love in your heart, and the love that God has for you.

In Luke 2:10-11, the angel tells the shepherds:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

The good news of Christmas, Isaiah, is that God sent Jesus to bring joy and peace to the world. This joy comes not from material things, but from the love we share with each other and the love we receive from God.

A Christmas Prayer for You

Isaiah, as you grow, I pray that you always remember the true spirit of Christmas. May you always know that the greatest gift you have is the love of God and the love of the people who surround you. May you cherish those relationships and continue to give and receive love with an open heart. And may you always find joy in the simple moments, in being together with family, and in knowing that Jesus is the reason for it all.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for the love He brought to the world, and for the love He continues to show us. I pray that Isaiah will always know the true meaning of Christmas—that it is about love, relationships, and being together. May he carry that love with him every day of his life, and may he always feel Your presence and Your peace. Amen.

Merry Christmas, Isaiah. I love you, and I am so incredibly blessed to be your grandfather.

With all my love,
Dziadzi