Pass It On is a new, bi-weekly peek inside the heart and mind of Francis Pass…

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This Christmas season is a little different than those in the past.

About this time last year, I was being released from captivity. From October 16th to December 2nd of 2020, I was in the hospital recovering from a not-so-festive heart attack and bypass surgery.

I missed last Thanksgiving, so I am thankful that I was able to be here for this year’s holiday. And last Christmas just felt different.

But, I suppose all of our Christmases were a little different last year, weren’t they?

Christmas is a time to gather with loved ones.

Patricia and I have been blessed with eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

They’re getting older fast. Too fast. My oldest grandson is married. And three grandkids have moved away to start a new life in another part of the country.

So I cherish the moments when we come back together.

I love to sit at the table with the grandkids during dinner and listen to their stories. You get to hear their thoughts and how they process the world.

I pepper them with questions, too.

“How ya doin’?”

“What are ya doin’?”

“How’s this?”

“How’s that?”

“Love what you’re doin’?”

“What are you gonna do next?”

I love spending time with my family. It’s more than just a reunion. It’s a reunification. One that I look forward to every year.

I also look forward to another reunification. The one we will have with Christ.

Had it not been for His birth, His dwelling among us, and His sacrifice on our behalf, our reunification would be so much harder.

His was the greatest Christmas gift the world has ever received.

He died for our sins so that we would one day come together as a family for a great reunification in our heavenly home.

I can’t wait to hear the stories at THAT table.

Be well. Stay well. Thanks for listenin’/readin’…

Francis Pass

P.S. – A very special Merry Christmas to the phenomenal folks who cared for me during my time in the hospital last year. You treated me with the utmost love and care. You all are truly a blessing from God. Thank you.