This has been an unusual Christmas season. I’ve been busy, all with good things, distracted by rehearsals and all that comes with a performer, and so painfully overwhelmed with the happenings in Connecticut.
I sat in a silent house recently, staring into the lights of the Christmas tree, Rowan finally hushed and asleep next to me. There I sat, almost all alone. The lists of things I so badly wished I had energy to get up and accomplish, tidy up, and fold and put away cluttered the moment sitting there. As the intensity of that particular day finally rested on my mind and worn body, I sobbed.
As I did, I looked down on my peacefully sleeping son. Wrapped in warmth, there he lay. For the first time, I looked down at my babe child and wondered what Mary must have felt, the burdens she carried and the peace that lay near her. The words to this song flooded my mind:
What Child is this who, laid to rest On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, Come peasant, king to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high, The virgin sings her lullaby. Joy, joy for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary.
And in those words, I felt the real meaning of the season and why I can feel hope despite such tragedy, and peace amidst chaos. I could see more clearly why we sew and bake and sit together as a family at night and why we want it to feel special this time of year.
The birth of one meek and lowly child has changed the world forever.
I wish for you a very special, most meaningful Christmas season with your loved ones.
the sleepy time gal
Hi Nicole, I have so enjoyed reading your blog since I discovered it earlier this year, you are an inspiration with your thoughts and ideas and creativeness. I wish you and your family a peaceful and joyous Christmas x
Thank you Margaret for becoming a friend through this space.
Merry Christmas to you and yours Nicole. Thank you for all you share. Hope wee little babe is nursing much better these days
I’m glad you mentioned it– nursing is 100% better and wonderful! Thanks for the concern.
Mery Christmas to you and your family… I love the family picture with little Rowan in your arms…
Absolute beauty. There is nothing like a babe at Christmas to remind us.
PS – I love the family photo. I love the overcast day…it makes it more intimate.
Amen! Sounds like a moment I would have… except I would probably cry a bit longer.
And of course eventually get up out of guilty and get something done.
Lovely and touching post Nicole… Blessing y=to you and your family from California! I’m so glad to have connected to extended family via this media!!
WHAT a beautiful family Nicole!!!!! I think he is soo cute! I love how you write you should be a author!
I agree what did Mary feel especially when she had no where to go and birth the Son of God. WOW!
I think you do more then you think you do you are AMAZING! Homemade laundry soap, gifts for people, homeschooling the girls, cleaning etc etc and taking care of 5 children, its hard,..I know. But I think you are doing great. I am not there to see it all but I know, because I remember how you were and I see your posts. your amazing ! Merry Christmas to your family!!!
Hi Nicole, I wanted to wish you and your lovely family a very Merry Christmas!!! Hope you have a peaceful, relaxed, happy week.