Saturday, November 22, 2025

Dear God,

Early this morning I walked into the barely-lit living room and hugged my naked Christmas tree.  I breathed in its scent and felt its soft branches.  I prayed in thanksgiving for my 79th Christmas tree.

I love this season of gratitude, the time of Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.  I can add the whole winter season to all of that.  Why?  Because it takes me directly to you.  

When I think of Thanksgiving, the time of family, food and friendship, I am made grateful for love around the table.  When I hug my tree, I think of creation at its best, once a teeny seed is now a 9' Fraser fir Christmas tree.  Within days it will be arrayed with handmade ornaments, ornaments from differing parts of the world and ornaments that belonged to my parents.  Of course, there will be red beads and strings of tiny white lights.  An angel will sit atop the tree reminding me of angels from above and below. 

When I think of Christmas, I think of the mystery of grace, glory and joy.  At Epiphany I think of visitors who brought gifts and still do.  In the cold, windy and white winter, I get to sit and reflect upon the beauty of seasons that bring numerous gifts, especially winter.  I love snow, the cold and bare branches.

You see why I love this season, O Lord, because I see you in every tree, flake, barrenness, gift and blessing.

Thank you

for this

amazing and

beautiful season.

Thank you

for drawing me

and all

of us

to you.

Thank you

for this

wondrous year

already full

of wonder

and joy.

Love, Andrea