I'm one of those traditional Christmas folks. I celebrate family traditions handed down from my parents and grandparents, along with some my husband and I have included throughout the years. Christmas Eve is a special time I reserve for me alone. After everyone has gone to bed and the house is quiet I turn on the Christmas lights, enjoy a favorite Christmas movie, and then I often watch a Christmas Eve service on television. After the busy Christmas rush, it is a time to be quiet and to reflect on the season and what it means. If it's not too late I often share some of my thoughts here on my blog.
This year is a bit irregular. But so was the first Christmas.
I'm having my gallbladder removed on December 24th. I'm scheduled for surgery at 7:30 AM and if all goes well I will be home that afternoon. Likely I'll be napping while my family works on their last minute Christmas preparations.
I suppose it sounds kind of crazy to have surgery on Christmas Eve morning, but the other option was mid-January ... too long a wait for this sick puppy. I want to share my thoughts with you today because I probably won't be up late on Christmas Eve this year and if I am I likely won't feel like posting a blog.
This holiday season hasn't been typical .... or maybe it actually has. Between my mother's needs, my own illness, my daughter's illness(she has a couple) and my grandson's issues with a traumatic brain injury the season has felt less merry. But interestingly enough I've been at peace, for the most part. I know it is the Lord who is holding me together.
I'm still loving Christmas. It's a beautiful time of year - not just because people seem friendlier, the shimmering lights in town make life brighter, and Christmas music is uplifting but because it is a time that reminds me of my Savior's birth and God's great sacrifice. Without these there is no hope. And so, in the midst of all the heartache and worry I have found peace and hope.
My favorite Christmas Song
Mary Did You Know
I wish you all peace and joy as you reflect on the beauty and miracle of Christmas. Emmanuel, God with us, was born to deliver us and open the door to heaven.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
This year our Christmas is also an irregular one. But God is holding us together as well, in ways I don't yet understand. May God bless you and your family. And get well soon! Love, Sue
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think that when we are in a place that's painful or hard to bear that God has us right where we need to be. If we never had anything to trust Him for we'd never learn to trust.
ReplyDeleteThank you for caring, Sue. I'll be holding you and your family up in prayer.
May God bless your Christmas in ways you could never have conceived.
Love you.
Love to you and your family, Bonnie. May the Lord comfort you body soul and spirit as you rest in His everlasting arms. I love the term everlasting. Even when things are difficult His arms remain. Even when sad times come, they are still there and He loves you all so much. Merry Christmas resting in Him. Joyce
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joyce. Though you live many miles from me and we see one another rarely you have been a steady and supportive friend. I pray you will experience the fullness that is Christmas.
ReplyDeleteAll my love,
Friend