Noel, Noel

I haven’t written in two weeks. I have sat down many times to do so…and so much came bubbling out of me that to try to compose a single, comprehensible, blog post (that was short enough that you would read it) was impossible.

Today is Christmas Eve…and I simply want to wish you all a very blessed and merry Christmas.

This year Christmas is different for me. Last year I spent the holidays in San Antonio with my “new” family…and though the itinerary and scenery all but guaranteed a wonderful trip…it was a miserable time. Filled with confusion, harsh words, and moments spent alone. 

This year I find myself back at home with my family…spending Christmas Eve and Day just as I have all the other years of my life…yet there has been an unmistakable shift. Christmas is different. The celebration is different. 

I am different.

I have bought not one single gift. I haven’t wrapped a single gift. I didn’t watch my Disney movie that we always watch while decking the house with boughs of holly. 

Yet…I find this season holds more joy, more peace, and more gratitude than ever before. 

In a way the season has lost a lot of magic…yet, in another way, I have gained a whole new perspective of the true magic of the season.

It is a season for celebrating the birth of a savior; The Savior of the world. The King of Kings. The Prince of Peace. The Light of the world. In the most unexpected, unpredictable, and humble way…He came.

There were no twinkly lights, no presents, no tree to put presents under, no kitchen filled with sweets and baked goods. 

There were exhausted parents, a stinky barn, animals calling, a host of angels, a quiet field of (scared) Shepherds…and the birth of the One who would restore us all.

I know that it is easy to get lost in the excitement of the holidays, the get togethers, the food, the hustle and bustle at the shops and in the kitchen…but I hope that this season…whether your heart is aching from a year of mutilation or bursting with the restoration of the year past…

I hope that you know the immense beauty that dwells within you. The love that was poured down from heaven all those years ago still lives and moves and dwells within and all around you. You are so beloved and special and cherished that the God who created the universe sent His Son to die…for the world. And for you, friend. You were enough. You are enough. 

Wherever your heart falls, whatever the mix of emotions you feel this year…know that you are a child of the King. A King who made you a brother or sister with Christ…the King who was born in meager circumstances, to the most unexpected…in order to do what only He could do. Save.

We are redeemed. We are cherished. We are held safe and secure. We are loved by a Savior who came on the first Noel…

Merry Christmas, dear friends!

A beautiful song for your Christmas…that I dedicate to my Mama. May you be blessed.

“Love is simply joy that I’m home…”

A beautiful rendition of The First Noel…because Josh Groban is amazing.

And a funny Christmas mix up, from a bunch of North Point crazies. 😉

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“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set me free!” Psalm 119:32