With the approach of Christmas, I find a deep contentment settling into my soul. This is a delightful surprise to me, perhaps because of remembrances of stressful Christmases past. Two years ago we had a very sick son, his being only the latest stress in that year of my life. Deep, to-the-bone exhaustion marked my holiday season that year, and I truly remember very little about it. This year it seems that decorating our tree has transformed me. It was a solitary project, since all my children are adults now and our "nest" is empty. My dear hubby resigns himself to putting up the tree and bedecking it with lights, but then considers his responsibility done! So I threw on some Christmas CDs and began the process of hanging our ornaments. I could hear the Lord whispering in my heart the entire time! What a great joy, to know that I am not alone, even when it appears I am! "Remember that first Christmas of your marriage, when your mom gave you that ornament?" On and on He went, bringing to mind the dear friends who gave us many of these treasures, and the sweet children who created them, and the places we purchased others. Now there is a gladness spilling over in my heart--the essence of the story of Jesus' birth, and all His sacrifices have given me, fills my soul. Even with much to do, I find myself unexpectedly smiling for no apparent reason. Third Day sings, "Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, Lord" and my heart sings along with deep, to-the-bone gratitude.
Now, time to festoon other parts of my house with Christmas embellishments, and see what more the Lord of the season would whisper in my heart!
