December 29, 2010

celebrations and survival

We find ourselves on the other side of Christmas... all of the preparation behind us, nothing but a memory. My Christmas tree lights are still twinkling, and I keep wondering if it really has to be over. Yes, our Christmas tree survived, and teaches me again to leave it in God's hands instead of sitting in the worry. Even through the exhaustion, I would celebrate again... because the joy that hung in the air was simply beautiful. The gathering of family, the laughter, the sharing, the food, the smiles, the gifts.

And the way that Jesus was tucked in it all... from the amazing short wait in the waiting room in the urgent care Eric got bit by a friend's dog right before we were headed to celebrate with my family Christmas Eve morning, admiring the nativities, Christmas Eve service complete with candle-light, and a card on Christmas morning... Linus sharing the real meaning of Christmas  right before we dove into the treasures under the tree...
And suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.

After the long morning, with the adrenaline fading, we all fell to napping while Camden built his Lego sets. Dinner, more cookies... more laughter. And then it is simply... over. But I hang on, leave gifts under the tree, keep the lights burning, the music playing.   It will hit me all at once, and I will be rushing to put it all behind... but even as we prepare for and celebrate Camden's birthday, I find peace in the beauty of Christmas, and surround myself with it.

6 comments :

Unknown said...

Exquisite. The day. Your writing. Your family.

Kat said...

I love how Linus shares the Christmas story :) Moose reminds me of Linus...trusty blanket and all ;)

Richella Parham said...

There's nothing better than that Linus part, is there?

Preston read the passages from Luke at our church's Christmas Eve service. He's a great reader--he has a big voice to match his big body--and he did a great job. Our pastor asked if Preston would read from the NIV, so he did. But Linus quotes from the KJV, and that's the version I like best for the Luke 2 passage. So Preston complied with the pastor's request but said, ". . . and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid." You won't find that in the NIV, believe me. When Preston sat back down after reading, he leaned over to me and said, "I got in a little Linus for you." That's my boy!

So glad you had a lovely Christmas. :)

Busy Bee Suz said...

Beautiful smiles, beautiful hearts.
Glad you and your tree loved this Christmas.
xoxox

jenn said...

sounds wonderful! it all goes by way too fast doesn't it!! just think even though Christmas Day is 'just' one day--HE live on in our hearts forever!!

Heathahlee said...

I don't know why, but this post brought tears to my eyes. Kat will tell you I'm such a crybaby. : )

So glad your Christmas was good. My Kiddo is still at work on his Legos. I think he and Camden would get along just fine. : )

Happy New Year, Dawn!

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