'It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas."
The birth of our Savior...now that's powerful stuff. Many of us know the story; the angel Gabriel appearing to Blessed Mother Mary...Joseph and Mary making the long trek to Bethlehem...the Wise Men and the farm animals and the manger. We see the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and the Star.
I love this time of the year. I love the warmth that seems to permeate to the depths of my soul when I meditate on this Miracle. Safe, cozy and content, I am so honored to be loved by our Lord. I do wish that I could articulate this in a way that would also fill your hearts with His grace.
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Christmas, also, has become a time to say to family and friends, "Hey, you are important in my life." Back in the day when I had some funds available to me, I purchased many gifts. My convoluted thinking found me wanting to say, "I love you," through nice presents. This year, with little money, I made or bartered for most of my gifts and I truly feel good about that. One present per person will find me still saying, "You are special to me."
AND, my son and daughter-in-law will be with me. That is certainly a blessing as it has been some time since I've seen them. I'm planning on preparing a vegetarian meal...my own recipe, never concocted . Luck be with me! I imagine a snowy landscape out of my window, and hot cider with a cinnamon stick. Laughter and stories of the past will find good cheer. I will attend Mass and also pray with Pope Benedict as he celebrates live on Christmas Eve.(EWTN)
I have little things for the pets in my life, and I always make a small donation to the ASPCA. I like to throw nuts to the squirrels and write heart-felt articles about the sins of Puppy Mills and Pet Stores.
So, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL. Peace on Earth... (We sure do need that.)
"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
~Norman Vincent Peale~
