The Christmas Pin Society
by
Copyright © 2006
Chapter Twelve
That Christmas gave us a renewed appreciation of friends and family; of life itself. It was the Christmas which once more privileged a community with Angel's extraordinary heart and talents; the Christmas Belinda and Paul announced their plans for the near future to come back permanently to Evergreen, and their decision to become foster parents; the Christmas Hannah and Harold were able to spend together as a whole family again; the Christmas Kathy helped many dreams come true, while renewing and expanding an old tradition with friends. For me it was the Christmas in which gifts of realized hopes and answered prayers became far more valuable than any bow-topped present under the tree.
That Christmas was the most fruitful Christmas I could remember in a long time. Perhaps, because we didn't just celebrate Jesus' birthday, rather his birth; we didn't just act out the season, rather put the season into action. I marvel at the humor of God. Only He could gather together five middle-aged women with humbled efforts and a mere collection of trinkets and use them in such an extraordinary way to achieve an even more extraordinary outcome. Only God could take a meager gift and make it fit for a king; the little King in a humble cave.
I thought of that sweet bundle lying in his manger; and I thought maybe ~ just maybe this Christmas, instead of crying out in the dark night of a cold world, he lay content with the gift, gurgling and cooing like a babe with a tummy warm and full.
Three weeks earlier, as I reminisced with my pins, longing for the way things used to be with a hope planted in my heart for so many, I could not have imagined that God's faithfulness would fall into place with such harmony; perfectly and timely. Thinking on all these things, I too, was content; content in Him.
But, for six, small-town women, that was not the last fruitful Christmas. It was the first of many more to come.
1 comment:
Father Lancelot was saying this morning what a pity it would be if, during this season of family, fun, sharing, caring and celebrating, we didn't come away with a deeper understanding of and a closer relationship with God.
If we don't stop for a few moments of silent reflection to examine our life's priorities.
If we fail to contemplate the ultimate gift, the reason for this season of Christmas.
If we allow ourselves to become overwhelmed by the haste and waste that accompanies the holiday, or fail to really "see" those around us.
If we offer a "Happy Christmas" greeting when our hearts are, in fact, a little cold and empty.
What a pity indeed! Let us resolve to cherish and nourish the true meaning, to manifest the joy that springs up within our hearts, and to touch those who are longing for His love.
May your Christmas and New Year be blessed beyond your dreams~
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