I came across this little quote tonight, and thought it was just perfect. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday... shopping, wrapping presents, sending cards, getting pictures taken, seeing Santa, making food, cleaning... the list goes on and on. It's a little reminder of what the Christmas season is really about.
"Take time for quiet to just watch the beauty around you and breathe it all in."I want to share something with you that surrounded me with a peace yesterday. Today, Christmas, I had to work. Not my first Christmas, not my last. Working Christmas is different than working any other holiday. I can't quite explain why, it just is. Something about it. I was lucky enough though, to have Christmas Eve off {comes with seniority I guess :)} And I love being able to go to Christmas Eve Church. I grew up always going as a family to Christmas Eve Mass. We would get ready early in the day, and be at church early, partaking in the music, pageant, or whatever else was needed. And then of course go up close to the beautiful Nativity scene, and put money in the "nodding boy." He was one of the shepherds, that when a coin was placed in his hands, he would nod his head as if to say "thank you." It was every kids favorite! One of my other favorite memories was always going into the church's basement afterwards and getting our brown paper sack from the Knights of Columbus, full of peanuts, apple, orange, and all sorts of candy! Then we would go home, eat a meal, get to sip wine (even if not old enough), say a rosary together as a family, and then Santa would come!! Oh, such great memories!
Anyways... back to what I wanted to share. I was meaning to say, I was so grateful to be able to go to Christmas Eve church last night. Church was so full, and the music, colors, trees, and Nativity scene were breathtaking!! It was so beautiful, but as I looked around, I felt a little alone. It looked like most other people were there with their families. And made me feel a little jealous, that I couldn't be with my family. To all be at Mass together, wear our Christmas best, and get to take pictures afterwards. But then was the story of the birth of Jesus, the joy from singing "Glory to God in the Highest," and then the homily. And that's what I want to share... but one has to understand the before (what I just shared) to know why it touched me so.
Father talked about when he was little, how he loved being the one to set up the Nativity scene in their home. How it was such a special job because everything has a certain place at the manger. The cow, the sheep, the goat, the shepherd. They all had to go a certain way, be on a certain side so they were facing/looking at Jesus. They all had to be just so, just right. All being placed in their special spot, they all belonged. Father went on to say... But WE all belong there too! We, in all our messiness, in all the different ways we arrived, We belong right next to the manger with Jesus too. Jesus comes to us as a baby, tiny, innocent, dependent on all, in a cave with cows and sheep. Dirty, cold, dark... but He did that so we all would feel invited. So we all would feel that we belong there too, no matter what our past is. As we all gather, each of our lives have a different path. Some of us with lots of pain, some with lots of joy. Some with things, some wishing for the desires we don't have. But no matter how we arrive, Jesus wants us there. He wants us next to the manger. He wants to belong to us too. He wants to love us. He wants us to let Him love us!
So then as I reflected on this message, that we belong next to the manger too... my heart changed. I was no longer wishing I had what the others had (my family next to me in church). I was picturing myself, next to the manger where Jesus was born, singing Gloria, and thanking Jesus for letting me be part of His family. And then the Mass just got more and more beautiful! The songs, the people, the families. I didn't want it to end. After ending church with "Joy to the World," I just sat in my pew for awhile, and just watched. Just smiled, and took it all in. Families taking pictures by the beautiful trees. Hugs being given of long time friends. Little children stepping close to baby Jesus in the Nativity scene. It was really the most beautiful scene all around. So much to be thankful for! God is good!!
My family had our Christmas on Friday night, and there a moment in which my sister-in-law, was sitting on the couch and said the baby is moving. We (all my sisters and mom)... gathered close around, all wanting to put our hand on her tummy, hoping to feel the baby move, kick, anything. (thank goodness she's not a hater of physical touch-- haha!) We were so excited! And just think... that baby isn't even born yet. I was thinking of this at church last night... that excitement we had for our new baby niece or nephew, do we have that same excitement as we gather for the birth of Jesus? Just something to think about. As we gathered today for Christmas, for Mass, for celebrating the birth of Jesus... let us take a moment in the quiet "to just watch the beauty around you and breathe it all in," and to say, "thank you Jesus."
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| We belong at the manger too. |
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| "Holy is His Name" -- so perfect for this special day. (and thanks to my Fab sister for her incredible lettering!)--- Etsy shop soon! |
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| Loving my new camera with these closeups!! :) |
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| The most delicious cinnamon rolls!! |
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| Yup... talked them into a picture again (or maybe forced!) lol :) |
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| Got to change up the pose somehow! ;) |
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| No matter what... we will always be family. |
I stopped at church tonight after work just because. It was beautiful... so peaceful, silent, calm.
"She (Mary) treasured all these things in her heart" -Luke 2:51. I can't help but think how Mary's "yes" to God with so many unknowns, so many uncertainties, brought Jesus to all of us. To show and share with us love, grace, peace, and mercy. May we always remember to pause and "treasure" the joy, peace, and love that Jesus brings us, not only on Christmas but on every day we let Him into our hearts! And I pray we can grow in trusting in His plan, just as Mary did. Let us ponder the beauty and awe of the birth of Jesus. Let us see Him in the holiness. And know.... Holy is His Name.