It was another Christmas Eve in the South. Gifts are wrapped and under the tree. Stockings are hung over the fireplace waiting for Santa. I have been preparing what I will be cooking for our holiday guests. Our border collie, Snuz, has already torn up the house.
Pillows, stuffing from pillows, stuffed bears, blankets, and other items have been spread out on the floor. Snuzy has been outside barking at the neighbor’s dog or whatever else was out there. Our cat, Perkins, has decided to snuggle into the covers next to my husband and purr. I wake up and my mind is already on speed dial. In my brain, I had a shower, got ready, cooked, sang songs, had a plan of action, got Christmas pictures, cleaned the house, fixed the Christmas turkey, and did the budget. That is just when I am drinking my tea. I don’t wake up peacefully. I wake up exhausted.
I am thinking of watching the Christmas lights after the Christmas party tonight. The lights at Jekyll Island are so beautiful this year. Then my mind goes back to my children. I sent them Christmas gifts. No acknowledgment that the gifts were received. Jesus told me to send them angels this year and that is what I did. I start feeling sad. My husband sees that I am in my head again and asks if I would like to lay on his chest. Gladly, I say, Yes! and snuggle down. I close my eyes for a few minutes and remember that I have a man that loves me. That I have a new family that loves me. That is the gift Roger gave to me. I love my stepsons and their wives and the grandchildren. They are God’s greatest gifts. I had forgotten how blessed I am. Then I smile realizing this was part of God’s restoration for me. I fall asleep for a few minutes until I am told your tea is getting cold.
I stumble out of bed, take a shower, get ready, and take Snuzy for a walk. I look around the front room and dining room. I remark to Roger about Snuzy’s handiwork. Roger says Snuz is just doing her job. I show a smirky face and take Snuzy for a short walk.
When I get back, I attempt to clean up as Roger sits in his chair. I never knew how my mom kept such a clean home. I am constantly cleaning. I can relate to Martha in the bible. She was cleaning and cooking while Mary sat at Jesus’s feet.
Sometimes I think of that. How I need to be more like Mary. To dwell on being close to Jesus more than busy work. There is peace at the feet of Jesus. A peace that I have not felt in a long time. Mary had it right all along.
We were running late for church but we made it just in time. Roger and I got some Christmas photos by the Christmas tree in the foyer. We sat down and listened to the pastor. This message was different. I have heard a lot of Christmas messages. However, this one was about a child that was going to change the world. A young man and woman that loved their lord. The way the story was told was like I heard it for the first time. From the time of Abraham, there was a promise that God would provide a lamb. The holy one,
unblemished, the Messiah, who would take away the sins of the world. The long-awaited Lord. The redeemer. Unto us a son is born, a son is given. And the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father, and the prince of peace. Of the uproot of his government, there shall be no end. upon the throne of David to order it. From the time of Abraham there were other prophesies about this anointed one. He came from the line of David. He was born in Bethlehem.
To be the mother chosen to give birth to the promised one! I can’t even imagine! Suddenly, all that I had worried about paled in perspective. The long-awaited Messiah had come to earth! Imagine that night. That holy night. Where there was no light, now, the light has come to earth! Where there was no hope, hope has come to reign! Where there was no way to get to God besides following the full letter of the law, we can go to Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He was the one to teach us to love one another. His law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother. In his name, all oppression shall cease! To know that this child came to accomplish this! To teach us to love each other. He wants to break the chains. To bring peace! To stop the bondage! Wow!
At the end of the service, the song, Oh Holy Night! was sung. I heard it like I heard it for the first time. This child was more than just a good man. He was a game-changer. He was meant to do more than anyone else had ever accomplished.
When the words, Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angels’ voices! Oh, night divine! Oh, night when Christ was born! I felt like I was in His presence. I started crying and raising my hands to him in thankfulness.
That holy night changed the world.
