My dad passed away only five weeks ago. We just returned to our home in Colorado after being near him in Phoenix the last few months of his life. And, Christmas is coming.
It will be simple and quiet this year. A still Christmas.
I think Dad’s suffering and death has put the fray of the Christmas season into a new perspective for me. I haven’t purchased one gift yet, and the only Christmas decoration I’ve put out is a treasured manger scene, reminding me our Immanuel is with us.
What I love, is that is all okay. A quiet, still Christmas is an unexpected gift.
As empty-nesters—with our daughters with their in-law families this Christmas—we’ve chosen a simple Christmas. And in the midst of an especially busy season at work leading right up to Christmas, I’ve given myself permission to . . .
Breathe. Grieve. Embrace the quiet and simple this Christmas.
I give you permission, too, to find the quiet in your Christmas.
(I found this manger scene back in 1982 when I was in Warsaw, Poland, and that country was behind the Iron Curtain. It was like a breath of fresh air—and Light—to find this handmade treasure in a communist country right before Christmas.)
A Christmas song that keeps coming to me is: “Let all mortal flesh be silent, and with trembling stand. Ponder nothing worldly minded, for with blessing in His hand, Christ the Lord to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.”
Beautifully said. And this manger scene is likely the most whimsical and inspired I’ve ever seen. Wow. I just keep marveling. Thank you for sharing this treasure. 🖤
Thank you, Danita! It is hard to believe that I found that in Poland back in the early 80’s and it’s held up all these years, including when our toddlers played with it, and now their own toddlers when they visit! : )