One Last Christmas – Matthew West

I’m sure you’ve heard this song by now playing on KLove. Matthew West, recorded a song called, One last Christmas, based on the story of a little guy, Dax Locke, who was diagnosed with a very rare form of Leukemia. I came across the video yesterday via a friends Facebook post. I have lost count of exactly how many times of watched this video. But each time I see it, it moves me in a significant way.

I want to share this video with all of you, but especially to the parents of children. Parenting is hard. From sleepless nights with infants, to the rebellious and worrisome years of adolescence, and even into adulthood, there are many times when we may feel like throwing in the towel and calling it quits. We cry out to call in frustration and weariness, fear and stress. We yell, scream and fight with our kids over sometimes very trivial matters. And sometimes the pain and the hurt drives separation between our own flesh and blood.

I am not a great parent. In fact, I’m barely a good parent. But watching this video has reminded me in a very powerful way of how blessed I am to have 5 very healthy children. Seeing the face of the sweet little guy, Dax, and remembering how each of my five were once that small, that precious, that sweet, begs the question, “Why do I worry so much for things that mean so little?” The Locke’s cherished every moment with the son, and yet, some nights I just want my kids to go to bed so I can have some peace and quiet. How selfish am I.

Every parent, no matter what stage of life they are in with their children, should hear this song, see this video, and realize how blessed they are. I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost one of my kids. But I am going to live each day, cherishing every moment with them. I want to laugh a little more, and scream a little less. I want to tell my kids I love them a little more than I have. And I want to see them grow in the grace that only God can give.

As you watch this video, I hope the story moves you this Christmas. I hope that the images remind you of those precious time when your children were sweet and innocent. And I hope this Christmas, you would pause, see your children as God sees them, and thank him for the opportunity to be a parent.

Lastly, I want to thank Matthew West and the Locke family for sharing their story. And for the Lockes, and all parents who will pause to remember a child who has passed, I pray that this Christmas will be one of peace and joy, knowing that our mighty God still sits on His heavenly throne, and one day, we will all see each other again, face to face.

This is Matthew West’s, One Last Christmas!

- jay