We transition so quickly from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
The Day after Thanksgiving.
Kids are still home.
Mom and Dad were usually here.
We have help on the farm.
(Doing anything on the weekend is so hard)
A tradition was born.
The college girl has worked the Black Friday shift for a few years.
The rest of us scurry to take down Thanksgiving decorations while she is at work.
Christmas music turned up loudly.
Grazing leftovers.
A delight.
A warm memory that permeates even grief.
The excitement and energy can transcends the ache.
Thoughts of yester years flood my being.
These transitions can be tricky.
I lean into the promises of eternity.
A babe born in the quiet of a night.
He came so we might live.
Messiah.
He journeyed to the cross.
For us.
This transition in our calendar year is so perfect.
We practice Thanksgiving.
In the wonder and in the hard.
Through all things.
Colossians 3:16-17
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms,
hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
We intentionally seek the gift.
When Advent arrives our hearts are soft.
Ready for the season of Waiting.
Preparation.
We put up the tree.
I am thankful.
A thankful that I find hard to express in words.
Light shimmer in the darkness.
The light.
Shattering the darkness.
My heart fills with that light of Christ.
It is because of him that my being has purpose.
As you transition to this Advent Season may you know the Light that came to dispel the darkness.
I am thankful for:
the transition of Seasons
Family fighting, yelling, fooling around; this farmhouse echoes with the years of sibling squabbles
the smell of pine in the parlor
the sneezing that commences once the tree is brought into the house
the light that permeates the darkness
hope
snuggles during movies
time to relax and enjoy each other’s company
my mother’s Christmas ornaments on our tree, reminding us of her intense love for this season
traditions
technology to be able to share this time with the oldest farm girl and farmettes
extra help so my farmer could spend some time with us
answered prayer in the nick of time, but perfect timing in God’s eyes
reminders that God is faithful; we need to trust
the struggle that leads me to the cross
the Christmas Cards I have already received! Amazing!
This Holiday Season can be challenging for so many.
If this season of transition finds you sad and lonely.
Reach out.
Give.
Step out of the weariness.
Lean into the hope.
Be the change.
Don’t wait for the change to come to you.
If you find yourself in a place of contentment and peace this year.
Reach out.
Give; abundantly.
Find those that may be struggling.
You may be the light they need to illuminate that darkness.
When we live with hands held open the divine reaches down and does something beautiful.
Psalm 95:2-3
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.
