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| The sheep is a new gift this year. The slab of barn wood, a gift from a few years ago. I like how old and new combine to create something totally new. This is how our Christmas feels this year. |
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| We added some glitter to the candle box on the windowsill over the kitchen sink. |
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| Audrey and I gathered pine cones and the little tree on one of our walks. The county had just come along the day before and hacked and sawed all the overgrowth from the roadside. Evergreen boughs were left on the ground for the taking. |
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| Some years the lights are white and some years they are colored, but the ornaments always remain the same- with the addition of one or two new ones found in antique shops or estate sales during the year. : ) |
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| The wee folk took up residence in the cedar garland this year. |
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| Audrey helped : ) |
I am not sure how I feel about the Christmas celebrations this year. I should rephrase that. I know how I feel about Christmas. I love to celebrate the birth of our Savior in every true and real sense of its meaning. Steve has always said that we celebrate this every day and it's true. December 25th happens to be that day the world celebrates it (on steroids) and it's wonderful. But, here in my own little world, as in many people's little worlds, loved ones are gone and perhaps others can't be together for logistical reasons. Missing and longing can make Christmas time feel hollow and empty and leave our hearts aching. And yet, we celebrate. This fact alone gives me great courage. Whether there are two or ten around our Christmas table, we will celebrate. Christ came to earth to save all mankind. This small seed of knowledge is enough to kindle a fire that burns bright through the ages, bright enough to still give us great hope over two thousand years later. No matter what circumstances shake our own individual lives, God became man and walked among us. Rejoice!
Isaiah 9:6
"For
unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government
shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful,
Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Yes - in spite of everything going on in the world and in our lives, we have the birth of our Savior to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteI do like Steve's take on celebrating every day - it should be like that. I'm keeping that in my head for more thought during the long drive ahead of me this morning.
Merry Christmas, my dear friend. I love seeing all the joy you have spread around your home. Hugs!
Your word were just what I needed at this moment in time.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Yes, I can understand how you feel as the holidays are bittersweet for me as well since my mother passed away 2 years ago right before Christmas. But, this year we celebrated the birth of a new granddaughter which made the holiday very special. So now there is still some sadness, but also happiness.
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas decorations are beautiful! So far, we have kept most of our family "traditions", but I am seeing change on the horizon. I know I'll need to adapt as the kids form their own families - and each new year brings something different. I wish you a happy 2017!
ReplyDelete