Last Saturday evening, December 15th, we decided to make our annual trip to the capitol building to look at the lights and decorations. I always enjoy this little holiday outing. I guess I rushed things a bit because it wasn't even dark when we got there, but we went inside first to look around and the outdoor lights were on as we were leaving.
It was sad to see the flags at half-staff that day.
(Crosby chose his own outfit.) :)
C taking a closer look at the cookie display
Cherish every little moment.
I always have Lane snap our picture on the front steps. The kids are growing so fast.
"PEACE"
I think our entire nation is feeling an unusual heaviness in the air this December. I know I am. In addition to the Newtown tragedy, there are so many health needs all around us right now...it's honestly hard not to be discouraged. But take away all the wrapping paper and Christmas lights and sugar cookies and elf mischief, school parties and ugly sweaters and Christmas cards and crowded stores...and at the very core of the season is a SAVIOR. A Savior that gives GRACE, JOY, PEACE and HOPE. May our hearts cling to that.
*****
I read this a few days ago, and it just keeps coming to mind:
Dear Jesus,
It’s a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.
These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?
Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod’s jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.
Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.
Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won’t you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.
This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.
Hopefully,
Your Children
It’s a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.
These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?
Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod’s jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.
Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.
Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won’t you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.
This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.
Hopefully,
Your Children
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1 comments:
beautiful pics and beautiful words.
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