Time of Peace. The Quiet Time

And here we are. The eve of the Winter Solstice. The first day of Winter and the time of the year when day lit hours are at their lowest. Tomorrow the sun will no longer be so low in the sky and will begin again, its mystical rise to its zenith in June. Christmas or the Mass of Christ is right around the corner. A mere 4 days away. The hustle and bustle and all out manic shopping spree that has become the norm of this holy season is slowly quieting down. The office parties are done. The gatherings at the homes of friends are over. For me, these last few days before the birth of Jesus are the quiet time of peace. The cooking and baking and Holiday making…are…done. For me, at this stage of life, it is time for me who never sits, to sit, to reflect, to read The Gospels of Matthew and Luke. To ponder the true meaning and how this meaning affects the whole of my life.

I enjoy it all. The camaraderie. The good will to all. The parties. The singing and rejoicing. Decking the Halls and buying presents for our Grands. Setting up my happy little snowmen and dusting off my Angels who are all named for my fore bearers. Strong, loving women all.

Emma Clare

Our Tree is decorated with ornaments from years past, world travels and memories of our children.

We have sillies and laughter because laughing is good for our hearts and souls!

We look to the past to see our futures and give Thanks for small joys.

We light the Advent candles and count down the weeks.

The Tree is decorated and the lights burn softly. Just enough to make me sigh with tranquility. With the addition of each ornament, I am transported to the time and place we purchased each one.

But through the days and weeks of THE Season, my heart returns over and over to a barn in Bethlehem and a Manger.

For unto us is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

I do not care your faith or not. I do not care your heritage or beliefs. Everyone is welcome here. We all traveling the best we can on our journeys through life.

But this is me. This is my journey and I would hope you will travel with me because we have much to explore, and learn and share and give to each other.

So, I wish you all a Merry Christmas from me,

Karen, The Journey Girl.