This just doesn't seem to be the year for me to really enjoy Christmas. It doesn't seem to be a time to send Christmas cards, to sing the carols, and light the tree. The last few months have taken it's toll on a heart already worn out from the long months of watching and waiting and grieving the illness of the one who's strength and endurance has surprised us all.
So I'm going through the motions to a season that seems to come and go so quickly. The tree is up, the music is playing, the trips to see the best of the best of decorations in Music City have been made and all the photos taken.
The gifts, hmmmm, haven't put much thought in those this year. So the motions continue.
Even in the cold and frigid world around us, a glimpse, a crack in the darkness begins to break through the sadness, the hopelessness, the grieving. Through all the kaos, a dim light begins to reveal itself and day by day, moment by moment that light grows brighter and stronger. Searching to see the source of that light, I begin to see and remember the source of the Spirit of Christmas. Not in the cards, the music, the decorations. Not in the lighted trees and glowing candles and children's laughter. Not from Kris Kringle, Old Saint Nick, Santa Clause,,,,,,,
But.......only from the real Reason Of The Season.......
We celebrate each year because of a miracle that happened on that first Christmas Morning.
Love Came Down.................LOVE CAME DOWN
Wrapped in swaddling cloths and laying in a bed of hay. A Baby, A Miracle, The Son Of God, God's Love Incarnate.
So year to year, season to season we bring out the cards, the lights, the decorations, the carols to Celebrate That Love. Those who come to celebrate Christmas for the gifts, the warm fuzzy feeling, Santa Clause slowly grow tired of the Season coming so quickly year after year.....
But......those who have experienced that love, held it close in their hearts, let it fill up their lives and guide their steps come to anticipate the season, long for the hope and peace and rejoice in the celebration...
As I go through the heartache, the sadness, the grieving of my moment on this road, I realize that if the cards don't get sent or the songs don't get song......that's ok.
As long as I remember.....and celebrate the Love that came down that first Christmas......the sadness is replaced by joy, the grief by hope, and the darkness by the Light of that Love......
Remember..........and Celebrate..........and Never Forget......
LOVE CAME DOWN
