We're getting ready to head out the door to have dinner at my parents' house and then go to church with them tonight. The girls are going to spend the night (oops! Glad I mentioned that...I still need to pack for them!) and then Toben and I will head on over in the morning to open stockings and gifts and have our traditional Christmas brunch (also known as the best meal of the year!).
After church tonight, it will be time for my all-time favorite Christmas tradition: Sitting by the light of the tree and listening to Robert Benson's The Night of the Child. The fact that no one else wants to do this with me used to bother me, but now I kind of like the solitude.
Listening to the Christmas story and Robert's reflections (all accompanied by harp music that calls to mind angels' wings) in the dark, in the quiet, and all by myself prepares my heart for Christmas and satisfies my soul more than anything that could ever be wrapped up in a box and tied with ribbon.
I look forward to this night all year long, and can't wait to come home and get on my pajamas, snuggle under an afghan, and let the tears roll down my cheeks in silence as I rest in the love God has for me--me!--that prompted Christmas to come so long ago.
Wishing you the certainty that Christmas is for you--you!--because God loves you with a love that never fails,
Joanne
Sounds like a wonderful tradition to have! I have grown to love those special times of solitude too...so much can be said in those times of quiet.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Tammy S. | December 24, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Joyeux Noël de Paris, Joanne! Your tradition sounds lovely.
Posted by: Holly B. | December 25, 2008 at 03:12 AM
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Puva | December 25, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Wishing you a very merry Christmas!
Posted by: angela | December 25, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Hope you had a Merry Christmas, Joanne!
Posted by: Meredith | December 26, 2008 at 07:41 AM