Just the word….Christmas…can make me swell with joy and anticipation and a deep, rich sense of peace. As a little girl, I can remember the wonders of the season and , if we had one of those incredible white Christmases, the stillness in the air. Sound was muffled and everything looked sparkly and brand new. I cannot tell you presents I have received, except for some rare handmade ones. I cannot begin to remember the gifts that I gave (and worried and fretted over whether they would be enough). This year my precious Mom apologized for not sending us a gift. She has been nibbling on the little party pack we sent to her and expressed sadness that she had not mailed us something. I told her that SHE is the gift! And she is….with her selfless love and kindness and warmth and humor and hospitality…she is the gift. May you, may I, take just a moment this Christmas day to stop and remember the Greatest Gift. May we tremble as we think of how we can be made all sparkly and new. And may we let it change us in ways that will last all year. [ An Event for Everyone ] There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-11 MSG
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 13:46:40 +0000