It's the Night Before Christmas

and so much is going through my mind. 

What an eventful year this has been.  Both of our sons are now engaged to be married to wonderful young women.  Work has seen lots of changes for both of us.  I have had some truths brought home to me.  And mostly, I have rediscovered a faith that has laid dormant for many years.

That brings me to this day 2000 years ago.  Do you think that Mary or Joseph knew what changes that they would bring to the world?  Do you think Mary knew the joy and heart-ache that she would have as she gave birth to the Saviour?  Do you think Joseph knew that the Son he was raising would grow to be such a fine young man - the One who was to save the world?

As a mother of 2 sons - I have realized the love, joy and heart-ache that must have gone through Mary's mind and heart.  You may love your spouse and family, but the love of a child is all encompassing and totally different.  A friend of mine who is pregnant with her second child described it best to her young daughter - who thought mommy wouldn't love her as much when the new baby arrived.  She explained to her little girl that mommy and daddy's heart doesn't stop loving her to love the new baby - it grows ever bigger to love the new one and that the love for her would never end.  Quite fitting in this season.

This next year holds many more changes for the Cross Crew as we are collectively know.  Importantly among all of this is that our children - who have grown up to be young men - will take the next step into adulthood - marrying the young ladies who they feel is the one that God has for them.  It is an interesting journey, one that I am enjoying bittersweetly.  I love my sons, I love my new daughters, but there are days I long for "the boys" to run to me and give me sweet, sweaty hugs and tell me that they love me.  I hope that they have that experience that with their children as well.

I think that Mary did know what was happening as all mothers do.  That she would see her son grow, love and lead the world.  As a mother, I have had the pleasure of watching my son's grow and love as well. 
My thoughts are many, my joys are many and my wishes for you my friends - is that you have a blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year.

Love,
Forever and A Day


Mary did you know, That your baby boy, Would one day walk on water?
Did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know, that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Did you know that your baby boy, would calm a storm with his hands?
Did you know that your baby boy , has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know---

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb---.

Mary did you know, that your baby boy, is Lord of all creation?
Did you know that your baby boy, would one day rule the nation?
Did you know, that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding, is the great--, I--- AM

                     "Mary Did You Know" song by Mark Lowry

Silent Night, Holy Night

all is calm, all is bright....

Yesterday morning I was up and outside early.  It was still dark, people were not moving around and even the squirrels seemed to be sleeping in.  I went out to get the newspapers to read with my morning coffee - and what did I see at that early time - stars.  Thousands (well, maybe hundreds) of stars, shining and twinkling.

This made me stop for a moment (yes, me in my robe and flip flops) on the driveway, admiring the early morning sky and think of the wonder of it all.  To think that 2000 years ago, God chose a simple girl and boy to be the earthly parents of our Saviour. 

I think we tend to get caught up in the moment and at times forget what the season is about - celebration of a very special birth.  This should be our time of reflection, praise and family.  To reflect on what has taken place over the past year (or years), praise for our blessing and remembering that our family is our family - both immediate and extended.

One of the online Facebook applications is "On This Day, God Wants You To Know" and this was the thought that was chosen for me "... that most of your words are unnecessary. All too often you speak simply to fill the space with sound, because you feel too uncomfortable with the silence. But this silence is golden. Only in silence you can hear God speak to you. Only in silence can a real prayer, a heart prayer be born. Next time you start chattering, stop and feel into the silence, feel its shape, its texture, and then slowly and silently say only what really has to be said."

So - to each and every one of my family, take a moment to be silent, to listen to God speaking to you, to reflect upon the season, even waking up early to see the wonderous stars above - and to listen to the stars sing of the wonders of God.

Love, forever and a day