Hope has led the way to the second candle here in the corner house - Love.
A tree in the window, a small Nativity on the hutch, and the Nativity set outside joined the Advent wreath today.
As I loaded Joseph and Mary, holding the Babe, into the car for the short drive from the garage to the front yard, I thought about Mary's "ride" that night so long ago. Pictures depict her traveling on a donkey or a burro. The Gospel account says she was "great with child". It could not have been an easy or comfortable trip for her. I always thought her "yes" came from faith and trust in her God - now I think there also had to be Love - a love she had for her God that allowed her "yes" - with the words "Let it be done to me according to Your will". A simple, sincere statement from a humble, pure heart that set in motion the greatest show of LOVE mankind has ever known - the birth of Jesus, the Savior, who would lay down His own life for us. I wonder if Mary felt "loved" that night - with her Joseph close and that precious Babe in her arms - I suspect she did. She loved and she was loved - and she was blessed.
For those of us who were once blessed with love, this is a difficult season. The nights are dark and the days can be grey and lonely. Because of the darkness, it can be easy to focus on what we no longer have. Hearing the music, seeing couples shopping, and endless commercials about the perfect gift for her or him assault us from all sides. There are many days we long to go to sleep and awake in January.
So, what are we to do in the face of this darkness? I have chosen to light the candle of Hope, which has carried me to the candle of Love. God has asked me to undertake a journey - indeed a difficult and uncomfortable one. He is asking for my "yes" - will I do what I can in my small way to shine His light from this corner house? There are those in the world around me who need His light - will I do my small part to show it?
This fifth Christmas was almost going to be left to the Advent wreath and the inside Nativity - until today when the longing for light hit me so strongly I knew it was time for another "yes". Yes, I will put that lighted Nativity out front and yes, I will put that small, brightly lit tree in the window. My prayer is that just one person driving by on a cold winter night will see and be led to seek the Light Giver, and come to know the gift of His Love.
I no longer have a "Joseph" by my side - but I DO have Emmanuel - HE is with me - every day. I AM loved.
He is with you as well dear sister. Through the pain and loneliness of this grief He is with you. Tears come and waves of sorrow threaten to take you under - they will wreak havoc with you - but they will not prevail. Hold fast to Hope dear one - it will lead you to Love - HIS love.
Be at peace tonight dear one, for He loves you so.
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