Ponderings

We received a hand-delivered invitation yesterday. Two girls from the Amish school across the road walked over to invite us to their school program today. They said they would be reciting poetry and singing. What fun! One of the girls might have been the daughter of the family in the accident a while back. I did not ask. I pray for them as they struggle with the loss of their mother and brother—and I’m sure they are quite aware that at this time they were expecting another child into the family. The joy of life is always intertwined with sadness.

Perhaps we need to remember that this is a time to rejoice. As a Christian, I celebrate Christmas to remember that God gave up His rightful place to become a man so that our relationship with Him might be reconciled. We do not need tinsel or wrapping paper to understand this; I do think we could use more quiet and contemplation.

So what will you do to bring laughter into your home today? Shall we hug those we meet and give each of them a smile? Let us throw off all gloom and frustration with the holiday and embrace it with reckless abandon: true celebration, celebration of the heart. As my poem says, ”Lay down the great burden of hurried life…It is time to be set free.”

Tomorrow evening will be here soon. In our home the Christmas celebration begins by a special meal prior to our Christmas Eve church service. Our home is full of great anticipation! The traditions of Christmas are precious, are they not?

Blessed Advent.


Early Morning