Dec 1: Isaiah 40 – He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
As we prepare and plan our Christmas events, memories of loved ones pop up. The love we shared with special people still remains and this is a time that memories of those relationships return. Is there a Christmas decoration that reminds you of someone and warms you with joy? Sit with those emotions for a bit today. They are precious.
This image reminds me of a glass decoration which was part of a flower arrangement i sent my parents the first year i was not able to come home for Christmas. It was a plexiglass center-piece that lit up. Years later, mom told me that the flower arrangement was the only decoration they put up that year, and it gave them as much joy as possible, without having family around them that Christmas. I now have that ornament, and feel the longing for family along with the joy of many years of gathering. Two sides to memories, right?
Prayer – Ever present God, you are the source of all love. Through your gift of Jesus we know the joy of salvation, and live in the hope of uniting in your kingdom. Christ, shine through our darkness. Amen
finding Grace in Surprising Ways 