I am determined not to let the oddity of this particular Christmas become a catalyst for Debbie Downerism. Just because this is not a typical holiday season for me, does not mean there are not Christmas miracles lurking around the corner. I have decided that this is just part of the journey.
Can you imagine riding on a donkey for days on end in your 9th month of pregnancy???? If Mary can endure that, then I don't know what I'm griping about. There is something wonderful coming and if I keep grumbling or lamenting over my situation then I could very well miss the full effect of the joy awaiting me! I refuse to do that.
The births of my children were the most precious times I can remember. Today is my youngest child's birthday. My own birthday is this month. This is a month of memories. Memories made and memories to be made. All good memories are prefaced with some type of journey, some type of story to be told - the same is true of miracles. I'm working on my story and in order to capture it accurately, feelings are important but often overlooked or dismissed. Not this year. God has given me the gift of time..... I have not even one Christmas party to attend. I'm beginning to see that as a blessing. He is preparing me for something - shaping me - molding me. I must be ready for Christmas this year - not in the gifting sense, not worrying about company coming or meal prep, not concerned with scheduling my time - but waiting..... riding on a donkey...... ready to see this journey through, until my Christmas miracle begins.
I hope those who are busy, can pause for just a moment and realize just what precious gift we've been given and take time to record memories of their own journey as well. Whether we relate to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds or the wise men - we all have a part in the Christmas story even today. Our personal journey can always be to Bethlehem - if we will just make the trip.
Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!
Matthew 2:8-10
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