Thursday, January 22, 2015

Dear God,

The sounds of Christmas continue to ring out in our house.  Christmas music plays while LED lights twinkle in the living room.  Our real Christmas tree bedecked with whimsical and meaningful ornaments still standing two months later warms the living room.  Angels on the mantle still look up at the wood carving of Joseph and the baby Jesus.  New birth, new life, love, peace, and joy sing out every day right here in our home.  Faith is ever present and why not?

I cling to the holiday season because it is rich and wondrous.  I don't look at it in terms of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.  I gaze upon the tenets of faith.  I think about the valuable meaning of Jesus, a redemption baby, the best gift of all.  I think about music, its hopeful words and beautiful melodies.  I think about love and grace and how they influence us, making us more peaceful, joyous, and giving.  I think about family and friends and the gifts they are to us.  I think about you and how you are at the heart of the season.  I fill with gratitude during the season remembering all your good gifts.  Christmas makes me want to be a better person, a better wife and mother, a better Christian, faith-filled and faithful to love and serve the world.

As I pause before the holy nativity specially placed on my coffee table-turned altar, I think of you and I want to worship, praise, and adore.  May I?

Holy God,
thank you
for the season
of faith.
Thank you
for all
who say YES
to you.
Thank you
for your
continuing invitation.

Love always, Andrea