December 26, 2012

Dear Joycie: Christmas 2012

Dear Joycie,

As I sit here in the quiet of the early morning, my heart is full - swelled up with love for you, your Daddy, for the life that we share...full of the precious memories that were made yesterday. Memories, I hope to remember even when my hair is gray, my face is wrinkled, and I am bouncing great-grandbabies on my knee.

And they are memories that I want to share with you.

And so I'll write you this letter - in an non-traditional way. 

And someday when you are older, I share it with you.

Joycie, my sweet girl, Christmas 2012 started with a phone call from Nana Becki. It was 9:20 - and you were still sleeping, snuggled in Mama and Daddy's bed.  After a little coaxing, a few tickles, and some kisses, you woke up and headed into the living room to discover the treasure that Santa left for you.

You ooo'd and aah'd over the dress up clothes that Santa had put into the dress up closet that Daddy built for you.  You hugged the Dora and Boots doll, and you swiped a few bites of the chocolate bars left in your stocking.

Then you quickly jumped up, ran into your bedroom, picked up the baby Jesus from your Little People Nativity scene, and said "Happy Birthday Jesus!"

And Mama's Christmas was made in that single moment.

Throughout the day, when people would ask you what Santa bought - you'd proudly proclaim "Chocolate bars".  Guess you got my sweet tooth after all?

And you were quick to tell them that Daddy had built you a dress up closet. 

You must have loved your dress up clothes - as you wore 1 outfit to breakfast at Aunt Lane's, another to Nana Becki's, and a 3rd to Nana Nancy's.  You carefully put them all away last night, making sure everything was just so.

After a busy day of running from place to place, you, Daddy, and I came home - snuggled on the couch and watched movies for the remainder of the evening.  Then we all piled into our bed.

And as I listened to you and your Daddy breathing in unison, my heart swelled once again. And I thanked Jesus for the best gifts I'd EVER gotten - you and your Daddy.

Merry Christmas, Joycie!

Love,

Mama

December 03, 2012

'Twas The Write Before Christmas 2012: Day 1

As the season grows busy, I find myself longing for just a few moments of quiet..of rest. The lovely ladies of Bigger Picture Blogs have created something that fits that bill. It is called 'Twas the Write Before Christmas.  12 days of prompts that will help you to find your creative spirit and perhaps calm your soul admist all of the holiday hustle and bustle. If you are interested in joining, click on this link for today's prompt and more details.

Day One Prompt: Silent Night
 
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent Night has always been my favorite Christmas Hymns. The melody is haunting, lingering in your mind long after the last notes have died away. The words evoke a beautiful picture – a mother cuddling her sleeping child, basking in the miracle of His birth, and resting in the peace of Heaven’s love and grace.

But this year, Silent Night took on a new meaning for me. I began to think of the Heavenly Father and His reaction on that first Christmas. The 2nd Chapter of the Book of Luke, tells us that the skies were filled with an angelic choir who heralded the birth of the Savior.

And I like to think that this was the Heavenly Father’s “Proud Daddy moment” – much like earthly Father’s handed out cigars in the waiting rooms in yester years, and Daddies today send text messages with pictures and stats to family far and near – God was telling the world “See, that’s my boy. Isn’t He wonderful?”
 
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
 Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Yet, I can’t help and wonder if there was not just the tiniest bit of sadness in the Father’s heart that day.

He knew that Jesus’ birth was just the beginning of the story.

He knew that the tiny babe would grow into a man that would be despised by men.

He knew that those small cries that echoed in the stable would one day become an anguished voice calling out “Father, why have thou forsaken me?”.

He knew the world that embraced the baby would turn against the man. They would call out for his cruxification.

The Father knew that the moment would come when He would have to turn His face away from His Son.

God knew that Christmas was the start of the salvation plan. He looked in the future and He saw the Cross.

However, God also saw beyond the cross.

He saw me. Lost, alone, living a life full of sin.

And He knew that as painful as what was to come would be for His Son, it was necessary. For the death of His son, would be the only way for me to find salvation.

Yes, His son would cry out “Father, why have thou forsaken me?”.

But His Son would rise again, and make a way for me to be able to sing “I am Redeemed”.

And so I like to believe that the Father shook away the sadness when He thought about what lay ahead for His son, and once again smiled at His son resting in Mary’s arms.
 
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth