I’m not sure exactly what brought it on. Maybe it was the Christmas music playing in the car. Or, perhaps it was the sight of an older couple leaving the travel office and a memory of the past that came to mind.

I know that it was related to the recent passing of President George H. W. Bush. Agree with him or not, he was the only modern president I know of who did not write an autobiography. He left his history to others, not spending time explaining, glorifying or denying his actions. As I watched the ceremony to place his remains in the Capital, I heard a commentator say, “The Bush family has always said that they were a family of criers.”

Regardless of what caused my tears this morning, they came. And, they are tears of joy and loss and hope all in one.

I have cried for many reasons: sadness, laughter, anger, greed, pain, weariness, shame, love, aloneness, excitement… I hate it that my tears have flowed for the wrong reasons like wanting my own way or being angry. But, I also know the sweetness of tears that come from joy and love.

I cried when I lost loved ones. And, at the same time, I have been filled with joy when I knew, without a doubt, that I would see them again.

Today, my tears are joyful. It is Christmas. My expectations for the holiday may seem to be pretty small – a little time with family and friends, some yummy holiday treats, seeing pretty lights on cold and dark nights.

But, the biggest expectation that I have about Christmas may not be as easily recognized: hope!!

– I have hope in the love of God who sent His only Son in the form of a weak and helpless babe.

– I have hope in the grace and mercy of the Creator.

– I have hope in my future for the Savior died for my sins and I have accepted His gift and follow His way.

– I have hope, for I know that this world is not my home.

This Christmas, remember this little lesson – it is ok to cry.