It’s Christmas
A few nights ago as dusk dropped its velvet draperies over my neighborhood, I gazed out the window at my neighbors’ homes, nestled in the snow. For the first time all year, I saw the Christmas lights twinkle and knew I was home.
It’s Christmas.
We erected our Charlie Brown tree — a four-foot discount store wonder — last night and limited decorations to lights and tinsel. Even that was enough to send the cat into a nervous tailspin. This morning she climbed up inside and removed two branches so she could lay down inside more comfortably.
It’s Christmas.
The boys went online to do their Christmas shopping, purchasing gifts for us at WorldVision. They made their selections, printed cards and wrapped them to put under the tree. I closed my eyes and handed over the credit card.
At some point, you have to trust your kids to do the right thing. Even with your Discover card.
It’s Christmas.
The blizzard is cancelling Christmas Eve services all over town, we’re hunkered down to wait out the storm, the makings of an amazing pork loin roast are in the kitchen, and whether I know how to do it well or not, it’s Christmas.
It’s Christmas.
::
I’m considering this morning the blessings of the last year, and the challenges. God has been faithful, no matter what.
He’s given me good friends and family. Not surprisingly, good folks in real life with whom I can rub physical shoulders. And surprisingly, good folks online with whom I tap keys.
I’m grateful. More than I have words for.
And it’s Christmas.
God’s blessings to you and yours in this season of white, and lights, and His good gifts.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
light! sunbursts of light!
You repopulated the nation,
you expanded its joy.
Oh, they’re so glad in your presence!
Festival joy!
The joy of a great celebration,
sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.
The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—
all their whips and cudgels and curses—
Is gone, done away with, a deliverance
as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian.
The boots of all those invading troops,
along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,
Will be piled in a heap and burned,
a fire that will burn for days!
For a child has been born—for us!
the gift of a son—for us!
He’ll take over
the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
Strong God,
Eternal Father,
Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
He’ll rule from the historic David throne
over that promised kingdom.
He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing
and keep it going
With fair dealing and right living,
beginning now and lasting always.
The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies
will do all this. (Isaiah 9:2-7, The Message)
::
Day 6 – 12 Days of Community
Sometime last Spring, Julie stumbled onto my blog, and into my life. It’s been my pleasure to get to know her, and read her Random Thoughts. (I think it may have started with a conversation about Dr. Seuss.) She challenges me with her graceful and grateful spirit, her heartfelt and authentic posts and her desire to look hard at what God is saying to us. Julie and I share some common experiences, and she once speculated, I think rightly, that if we didn’t live across the country from one another, we’d probably be walking some of life’s crooked paths side by side. When you have a chance over the holidays, stop in and see Julie.
I never tire of the references to Jesus as the light. Earlier this evening we attended our church’s annual Christmas Eve service. The theme this year, “Emmanuel: God With Us”.
But we couldn’t escape the Light.
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Is 60:1
The glory (light) of the Lord shone around the shepherds. The magi followed the light of a brilliant star. Light preceded the Light.
John wrote: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not over come it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.
John 1:1, 1:6-9, 1:14 RSV (John 1:1-18, one of my favorite passages)
The service ended as it has traditionally for many years with the sanctuary darkened except for candles. As the worshipers sing:
“Silent Night, Holy Night, Wondrous Star, lend thy light, With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King” we all raise our lighted candles. I look forward to this every year and it never gets old, passe or trite. The Light of the world truly is Jesus.
Merry Christmas
Dad
PS Lyla, let me know how that roast turns out.
2009/12/24 at 9:11 PM
Dad, thanks and Merry Christmas to you and Mom too. Hard to do Christmas without light.
I’ll send you the roast recipe. Enough garlic to keep all the vampires away. You’ll probably smell it all the way to your house…
2009/12/24 at 9:32 PM
Love the photo and the fact you are home to enjoy the blessings with your family. Verses from Isaiah (my favorite book in the Bible) – “Festival joy” rings out. May you and your family have a joyous festival in His presence!
2009/12/24 at 9:41 PM
Yes, it’s Christmas!
Just what a sinful world needs.
A Savior.
Light of the world. Light in my heart.
Sweet dreams.
2009/12/26 at 4:25 PM
Lyla,
I feel so blessed this year to have stumbled across your blog. I never ever realized what amazing people I would meet when I started to blog. Thank YOU for challenging me this last year and I look forward to being challenged some more by you. in this up and coming year.
I pray that you and your family have a happy, and healthy New Year.
Blessings,
Julie
2009/12/26 at 7:38 PM