"It's Christmas! It's Christmas!"

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 (6:08 a.m.)

“It's Christmas! It's Christmas!”

Blessed, Holy Father God, those two words used to echo through our hallways. Things change. People grow. But guess what ~ it's Christmas nonetheless. And tears are streaming down my face.

Baked goodies did not turn out well this year. There was even a food preparation mishap involving my finger (the middle one no less!) a new bowl scraper (with the word JOY boldly emblazoned across it's sides) and an electric mixer (two blades of which will never be straight again).

Many of our presents have yet to be wrapped. Time management was not my strong suit this year! But none of that is the reason for my tears. “It's Christmas! It's Christmas!” The magic my mom worked all her years to create for each of us is still embedded in our souls.

There is a HUGE mess surrounding me right now. Ribbon. Wrappings. Partially put up decorations. And the words I heard last night are still trying to right themselves in my own understanding. “You did so good.” “You worked so hard.” “I'm so proud of you.”

What? Have they seen this place? Of course they have. They live here too! Maybe we'll call it Christmas grace. Or what it really is. The song I started this Advent Season by singing ♫Maybe things don't sound right Or look the way they should And maybe they're not perfectly in tune. It really doesn't matter Let's keep our eyes above 'Cause Christmas is a time to love♫

Bringing You here, into the forefront of our preparations, has allowed a ton of grace and even more love [joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)] to shine through.

Blessed Jesus, Father God, Holy Spirit, “It's Christmas! It's Christmas!” And we thank You for Your work in each of us.

Use us well in sharing Your love this and all of our days. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(332 words ~ 8:58 a.m.)