Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Dearest God,

You, Most Holy God, know the treasure of Christmas is not the gifts we receive.  Neither is it the Christmas tree and decorations, not even the parties, nor concerts we attend.  It is not the music of the season or the people who gather together to celebrate.  It is not Santa Clause and all the children who sit happily upon his lap.  The real gem of Christmas is Christian faith alive and living.  A beautifully carved creche with wooden figures is nothing more than that without the living presence of Christ alive...in us.

This Christmas season was spectacular for me.  I attended five plays/programs, held two big family gatherings feeding nearly 40 people, orchestrated an entire Advent weekend festival with seven grandchildren ages 4-11, and had coffee or lunch with three other small groups/people.  In January I will hold a festive epiphany party/meal for 24 and a gathering of perhaps 20 women. 

What made this season so glorious for me?  It was the mystical moments, the coming of your son in my mind, heart, and soul.  He came unexpectedly in so many ways.  The breeze of your spirit blew gently in my home when I let busyness give way to quiet silence.  As I prepared myself for your appearance, I opened the whole of me for the miracle, the stillness, the song of love, the word of hope, and the joy of living faith.  You came before dawn, in the middle of the afternoon, at night, and in my dreams.  You spoke simple words, sang eternity's song, shined your light, and radiated love so many times.  The grace in it all was that I recognized your presence.  I knew you were here, a living, visible reminder of your wondrous self. 

On this snowy morning when tree branches hold those huge snowflakes that fell yesterday, once again my heart is grateful for the exceedingly joyous gift of faith in a living God.

Come, dance
in my soul,
Bright and Shining God;
bring to me
the instruments
of heaven
so that
I may
give praise
and sing
with joy
and gratitude.
For you
have blessed me
immeasurably.
How can
I thank you?

Love always, Andrea