Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Dear God,

Our Christmas Day gathering was so different from the past.  Yes, some family members were present but then there were others.  A gay couple amicably going through a sad divorce with their daughter was here.  A homeless teen sat in our circle.  A visitor from Texas who had come to be with her family sat nearby.  My covenant group colleague and his wife rounded the circle in our living room. 

We began our celebration with a meal and then as always we made our way to the living room where we came together to hear the Christmas story read once again followed by a devotional story.  The special time continued as one by one we went around the circle to share what had been the best gift of the year.  The sharing was deep, beautiful and honest.  While the stories were being voiced one of our guests sat at my feet signing to her deaf partner.  I concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving before we passed out gifts one at a time, and clapped when they were opened.

As the day wore on we played games, some watched a ballgame, and the kids talked as only teenagers do.  As friends and family were donning outdoor apparel for entrance into the cold, wintry scene, I thought of the many ways you had been present throughout the day.  Your light shone, your glory was revealed, and your joy filled us all.

Blessed God,
thank you
for the
precious memories
we made yesterday.
Thank you
for dwelling
among us.
Thank you
for the faith
to recognize it.

Love, Andrea