 Our Christmas tree still isn't up, and this morning I'm on my way to work, then on to another busy afternoon of last minute errands. But last night, I got to slow down and witness the miracle of Christmas. Now, as miracles go, this one was pretty common. It involved lots of commotion, antsy kids, and even a few "accidents" from some four legged critters. The cast was familiar: shepherds, angels, wise men, an inn keeper, a drummer boy. And of course, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus - who woke up, threw off his swaddling clothes and.................. proceeded to bless everyone with iconic grace-filled gestures, while playing quietly with the littlest angel. No joke. It was beautiful.
My youngest child stayed miraculously still as part of the angel choir, for once not drawing attention for anything other than her sweet reverence of the scene before her. Watching her, I couldn't help but recall Christmas Pageants past with my older children; my littlest angels and drummer boy growing through the years into shepherds, Angel Gabriels, Virgin Mothers and Kings. This year, as they have for the last several, they provided narration and angelic music, unseen in the balcony. Again, beautiful. Sometimes it takes a ghost - or a memory - to remind us what Christmas is really all about.
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 You know how everyone seems to be so busy nowadays? Well............hmmm........ applying the above, it's gotta make you wonder. Everyone must be making them. And with all of those mistakes happening out there, do you really think anyone has time to notice yours?
In this season, we're meant to slow down and appreciate what is peaceful. Let's make sure we let ourselves be at peace with ourselves too.  Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.
-Leo Tolstoy I'm a collector of words. Not just any words, but meaningful ones. Sure, I like to dabble with language, but I really revel in those little nuggets of wisdom from greater minds that sift through to become part my value system. Today, I'm sharing a great quote with you as encouragement to keep looking for truth. Because - sometimes, when we just can't sort solid rock from sand, we just haven't been looking long enough.  Today, I'm thankful for the color blue. It's been a while since we've seen that color overhead, and it's amazing the difference it makes in attitude here in the frozen north. Yes, the ground is still blanketed in snow, ankle-to knee-deep layers of crust and powder that make walking out to the compost bin an extreme sport. But with blue skies above me, I can do anything! And, when those skies hide behind the clouds again, which I know they will, I'll carry the memory of them, knowing they'll be back eventually too. It's what keeps us going.
 Warning: Blatant Sales Pitch Ahead
If you're still looking for last minute gift ideas, why not give a good book? You can still get Emrysia Awakening in time for Christmas when you order online, or ask your favorite local retailer to order it for you. Also available in e-book. Fits tweens through adult. P.S. Look for news about Volume Two in the New Year!  Yesterday was cold and rainy. Today, gusting wind is bringing more snow. Blustery days like these can either bring us down, or give us a reason to appreciate cozy hearths inside warm houses. Choose the latter even if you're not the one directly benefitting, or find a way to love the weather. That way your bluster won't add to the chill and damp.
 Isn't it funny how an annual event can sneak up on you? As if we didn't have a whole year to prepare, silly humans, we run around like headless chickens trying to make the perfect Christmas "happen". Rampant consumerism ensures that commercials will kick into gear earlier and earlier every year, yet still it alludes us.
The Grinch could tell us why. Boxes & bags, bows & tags are just window dressing. Christmas is about the humble birth of a child, new life, pure and simple. Don't get me wrong. I love decorations, sweet treats, buying and giving presents, and gathering with friends. But I just wasn't getting into it this year. It all seemed so...... unnecessary. Everyday clutter and overwhelming events were dampening my Christmas cheer. It took a selfless act by someone near and dear to remind me that the joy of Christmas happens when we focus on the right scene. The reason we celebrate is love. |
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