It’s Christmas time again.

I’m sure I am not the only one who feels its approach much different than before.

It’s strange isn’t it, how one event, one person, or one loss can move everything around.

Sometimes it feels like you just get the puzzle in order starting to see the final picture when all your effort is suddenly scratched and scrambled.

Life isn’t a piece of art where we can see its completion in the middle of its timeline.

Life steadily asks for a new perspective.

In the middle of your wondering, of why and where and who, I think we have the chance to see something few and far between.

Squinting a little, arriving with an unknown eta, checking on things that aren’t fine, we come to see life as it is.

Christmas isn’t about the perfection of pieces complete.

It isn’t about embracing a life of whole strategy that is safe and neat.

The days surrounding this time that are blue and weird,

Bring us to the appearance of our Savior who is near.

Perhaps if we look at our holiday time with a new perspective;

not those of traditions- which will always have a wrinkle

not those of togetherness- which someone will always escape

not those of gifts- which will never be enough

but those of seeking after the truth that is beyond all this embellishing.

It is only in acknowledging the heart of Jesus, the story that started it all and letting it permeate who we are, where we will accumulate the things that make Christmas what we long for.

Joyous, pure, fun, honest, lovely, and memorable.

Perhaps maybe even the Christmas songs you hear, are just tunes. So maybe taking some time to simply read the lyrics might bring ounces of truth and love your way.

Merry Christmas friend.

“The First Noel”

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

“Away in a Manger”

Away in a manger
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down His sweet head

The stars in the sky
Look down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side
'Til morning is nigh

Be near me, Lord Jesus
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me, I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to Heaven
To live with Thee there

“Mary, Did You Know?”

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.