I see the last minute preparations my FB friends are making: fruitcake! Yule Log! wrapping presents! traveling here and there! cleaning the house! getting a head start on tomorrow's dinner! and, of course, final tweaks in the Christmas Eve service.
Me, I am waiting, in that blissful, contented state of being ready, being prepared, anticipating the evening, looking forward to the silence and the candles and the fir boughs and the singing, Santa Lucia lighting our chalice and her mother reading the chalice words, dear ones helping with the service in the beauty and stillness of our sanctuary as the light dims and the candles flare.
And here I sit, Lily on my lap purring, while music fills the air and the smell of tonight's Christmas Eve soup brings memories of my mother and father and childhood Christmases. I am with them still in spirit, though my parents are gone and my family members are far away tonight.
It's Christmas Eve and waiting is what we do on Christmas Eve. That's one of the luxuries of this time and place in my life---that I can be alone and yet feel surrounded by the love and care of friends and family. I am grateful for the blessings of this life and prayerful that all might feel the peace and joy of the season, whatever winter and babies and light may mean in others' experience. Blessings to you all.
2 comments:
Merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Hear how they ring! Merry Christmas to you and your dear family, Christina!
Post a Comment