I was sitting around the house yesterday feeling a bit down and sorry for myself.
Maybe it was the short days of Winter that led to the way I’m feeling. After living in several places around the country, I have made Colorado my home because of the splendor of its blue skies and bright sun. Those glorious days get so darn short!
Maybe it was feeling the effects of the pandemic. Less personal interaction over the past year has taken its toll on me. My socialization comes within my immediate family and my extended family at work. I have missed my other family. Including people with whom I attend sporting events. I miss being able to share the passion i have spending time with friends who share the same passion.
My wife turned to me at some point yesterday as she was watching one of her endless holiday Hallmark Channel movies and simply said “I love this time of year.’
It struck me that what I was really missing was the joy of the Christmas holiday. And the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
I was raised an Episcopalian and attended church regularly in my youth. While no longer an ardent church-goer, I still prioritize attending church on Christmas Eve. And while my wife is Jewish, she knows how important it is to me and joins me. And my daughter, when she is with us, does the same even though she is not a believer in formal religion.
Realizing that there was no service to attend to celebrate the birth of Christ, I did the next best thing.
I went out on YouTube and attended a virtual service at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, the home of the Anglican Church. My spirits were lifted by the soaring melodies of the pipe organ and the words of the priest. I poured tears of pain and joy as I sang silently along with the hymns.
A year’s worth of pain built up inside was washed away in the joy. Hope abounds for me on this beautiful morning.
I leave you with the final stanza of my favorite hymn. I hope you and your family have the happiest of holidays.
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Very good message of blessing to our homes in the most challenging year of my life.
From heav’n above to earth I come To bear good news to every home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring, where of I now will say and sing.
Angels still speak to and through us. Thank you for sharing your experience.
We praise you Lord Jesus. King of kings and Lord of Lords. The everlasting Father. Prince of peace!
Merry Christmas to all!!
Thanks Steve!!
Thanks for the great message Swoll.
I’ve definitely gone through periods of being down this year too. Taking a pause and going to church on Christmas Eve and slowing down to think about what Christmas is all about yesterday gave me joy and sense of peace.
God Bless and Happy New Year!
Oh come let Him behold you.
Oh come let him adore you.
Oh come and let Him hold you.
Child of God.