It’s been another year.
I can’t believe it.
8 years.
Where has the time gone?
I saw a purple Nutcracker in the store the other day.
I laughed.
I would have bought it for you.
You would have loved it.
I can hear your laughter; even now.
You made Christmas so magical mom.
I’ve sat many nights in my parlor remembering our Christmas’s on Putnam Street and then in your log cabin.
Our tree resembles nothing of those tinsel, garland covered giants growing up.
I loved coming downstairs and smelling the piney scent.
I loved the stillness and glow of the colored lights.
I will never forget digging in the shag rug to pull up the tinsel that had fallen off the tree.
I can still feel the tingle of the shock from the tinsel as we walked by.
The swoosh.
The glow.
The smell.
Memories.
Treasured.
Held so tightly.
That last Christmas together, we sat in the shadows of lights.
We drank tea and the warmth from the fire lulled us to far gone times.
Little did we know we know you’d be with Jesus by the next Christmas.
And the following one, Elijah would be too.
You changed your style when you moved to the Log Cabin.
The white lights shimmering in the wood finished home.
Garlands and a fire crackling.
I am so grateful for those memories.
I hold on to them these days.
Remembering.
It’s been another year.
Time.
So strange.
This year has been one for the books.
Through it all though, the soul work of looking to God grounds and centers my soul.
The fear and uncertainty give way to the trust and hope in the One who came as a baby.
I am learning to rest in the Quiet.
I am letting God write the story that is my life.
His ways are always better.
His promises have continued to sustain me through these years.
Breathe in the hope of Advent this Season.
There’s missing and a Pandemic, there’s death and dying and uncertainty.
There’s also joy and hope; Peace and a Promise.
All of which are being passed through the fingers of God.
Let Him carry your burdens and your heartache.
He is writing the greatest story ever told.
The ending is already known.
It’s been another year.
If you’re lonely and hurting reach out.
Don’t walk this journey alone.
There are more that hurt than you know.
You’re not alone.
There is joy for the heartbroken.
There is hope.
Reach out to your neighbors.
We need each other.
Sitting in the parlor this morning the farmhouse came alive as the farm boy got his coffee,
the nurse girl got ready for work, the two younger farm girls woke up early to open Advent boxes before their sister left.
The twinkle of lights and laughter of the kids warmed my heart.
I ache with longing for what I can never have.
But, there is also much to be grateful for.
The practice of gratitude prepares our hearts for Advent.
The waiting and preparation.
May hope be your companion as you begin this day.
I pray this song will encourage you.
May it lift your spirits and remind you that you are so very loved.
You matter.
You have a purpose unique to you.
There is a greater purpose than you could ever imagine.
He Shall Reign Forever More
Chris Tomlin
