And so it is Christmas....

Jones Chapel UMC Family Life Center

it felt like old times last night

early on there was a buzz of activity

the moving of tables and chairs

bringing the poinsettias from the church sanctuary

laughter as a team worked together to get ready for a series of Christmas gatherings in this building

the building - a dream of Buddy Coile from MANY MANY years ago.

he started a small savings budget for this building and the quiet dream grew and grew

now we gather here to worship and celebrate many moments.

I was a part of the team getting this ready

have been for many years

and just like so many times

Last night I found myself finishing up a detail or two in this building alone

and suddenly it becomes Christmas for me

it has happened like this so many times

in the quiet

hustle and bustle of the workers now finished

doors locked

me padding around in sock feet - tying this bow, turning a flower to face correctly

sweeping the floor

wiping off a table

preparing to celebrate the BABY

and every single time

i feel the emotion

a young pregnant girl

a man not sure what to do

both not knowing how to proceed

both hearing and leaning on the angel's delivered words

TRUSTING

that GOD has this all planned

an innkeeper - no room - but offering what he has

a stable - animals - but fresh straw

think about that

a barn - animals moving

the scents of farm life

and fresh straw

not exactly a royal place is it

a Babe

born in the night

wrapped in swaddling cloths

laying in the feed tray

Wise Men

they studied the writings

studied the skies

noticed the new star

knew that was a sign

left to seek what the sign must be

hoping that it was fulfilling the promise of HOPE proclaimed

and shepherds

watching the sheep in the field 

a fire amid them

maybe food being served

not prepared at all for a sudden appearance 

of ANGELS

then simply leaving those fields and immediately coming to see the infant

and then telling EVERYONE they encountered 

about their ANGEL encounter

and about the BABE

that's where I found myself 

where I find myself every single year

in the still

the quiet

the post decor frenzy

sitting

recalling the story

waiting 

waiting for the CHRIST CHILD

and wondering what my role will be in the story

Last night a single tear

dropped onto the sheet of the manger

was it joy

or sadness

or some of both

and some of so much more

I do know for sure

I prayed for much

and many

I prayed thanksgiving

and grace

and strength

and hope

I prayed again that all can see

the gift of the Christ Child was meant for you and me. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS