celebrating what IS

Are you feeling homesick at Christmas?

Christmas is a time when you get homesick

- even when you're home. 

 ~Carol Nelson

I laugh when I read this quote, realizing that it's not just those of us who are far from home, 

but it's everyone who feels a little of that nostalgia, 

that longing for what used to be -

Christmases of our youth, or of our children's youth.

Precious memories of Christmas 2002

 Perhaps in reality it's a homesickness for what is still to come,
for our eternal home, and for the perfect fulfillment and satisfaction
found only in the presence of Christ.

This Christmas, instead of mourning what no longer is,

let's celebrate what IS this year, this moment,
content with the goodness God has lavished on us with so much love.

Merry Christmas to all of you from us5earthen vessels! 2013

We wish you joy this Christmas,

as you treasure the "good news of great joy for all the people"

declared by angels,

and made manifest in the infant Savior,

the Word of God made flesh.

May this coming new year ahead be,  

for each of us,   

one of celebrating what IS,  

each moment giving thanks to the Father,  

from Whom comes every good and perfect gift.

**edited from the archives