Another installment of the Bigger Picture Blogs Write Before Christmas...Belong
It started with a census, a king's decree that all should return to the home of their people. So very long ago and yet we feel compelled to travel still. I'll Be Home for Christmas plays repeatedly each December. It is a part of our holiday, our collective memory and our expectation.
Joseph belonged to the house and line of David. Somehow at Christmas our need to belong peaks. We need to come together; we want to be a part of a safe and loving family. The belonging shores us up to face what lies outside in the cold, big world.
But the belonging is not without conflict. We are flesh and blood but feel emotional pain as well. Loving leaves us vulnerable. Wounds linger and feel more tender in proximity to the ones who inflicted them.
Part of the Christmas miracle is the grace represented in the birth of the Holy child. Because of His birth we can have forgiveness. It is freely given if we will only ask. What a day it would be if we were able to extend grace to others this Christmas and perhaps to accept grace from them as well.
Joseph and Mary headed off to Bethlehem to be counted. We have all felt the same pull since that first Christmas.
I belong to the house and line of Carl. I'll be home for Christmas. Count me amongst thy people, Lord. More than that please just let me count.
2011
May, my mother passed away last week. She was 84 but it was still unexpected. My heart is so heavy and because our hearts turn toward home and family at Christmas - even moreso right now. I know that she counted. I know angels brought her home and I'll look for her in the light during these long, dark nights.
ReplyDeleteOh, Barb. I am so sorry to hear that. No matter our age, their age, or the circumstances none of us are every really ready for the loss of our mothers. I will be holding you in my heart and prayers over the course of the next year. The grief hits you in waves for such a long time. Peace to you, my friend.
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