Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

As I look at the Christmas tree this morning with all the presents underneath, I can't help but realize how blessed we are, as a family and a nation. Even our poorest population has it good compared to the poor around the world today and in the past.

I have had the privilege of being pregnant during this time of year and my thoughts always return to Joseph and Mary. These two individuals were poor and were traveling when Mary was my size. I complained to Tom about my feet swelling during the three hour car ride to my parents while I turned up or down the heat in the car and snacked on a variety of food. Mary was on a donkey, swaying back and forth, feet dangling and back aching.

Did they have enough food for both of them? Were there nights when it was so cold they couldn't sleep? Did Mary complain, like I do, about how uncomfortable this process is? Probably not. Here was this young teenager whose life was rocked by God and was shown mercy by a man she really didn't know, nine months pregnant on the journey of her life. I am blown away by her strength.

Did Jesus kick her and roll under her ribs like this little one does? Did he move under Joseph's hand like our baby does to Tom? Was Mary worried about labor pains? How did she feel when she saw the shabby barn? Were the animal smells and sounds a comfort to her or did she feel dirty and more alone because of them?

It's such a wonderful, awe inspiring time of year and so often we loose that experience due to being "grown up" and facing "reality." I must say I have regained some of that joy and expectation children have at Christmas time. Having this child within me has made the birth story so much more intense and real for me.

I hope everyone takes a few moments today and thanks God for what has been given to us. It is truly amazing that Christ was born!

Love to all