Well, we ended up spending this Christmas Season with just ourselves. Events and work schedules prevented our travels to extended family. We do miss that; but, had a unique week that offered significant time with just each other...imagine that! Even though this meant our week would be less rushed, my beloved husband kept with his tradition of Christmas Eve shopping. You have to know, we don't just do this last day before Christmas; but, also have to wait until he gets off work to begin (which means late afternoon, at least!)
Somehow, we enjoyed ourselves amidst the traffic and shopping line chaos. had a fun time. It was different this year, because the kids are all old enough to go to and from stores on their own. We park at a mall or strip and the frenzy begins. I have to admit it was fun - and Christmassy considering it's been hot and stormy this week.
As we headed home Christmas Evening, we saw the most beautiful moon. It was about dusk and the moon was a full beautiful light in the clouded sky. With the storms and tornadoes that had moved through the day before, the sky was still peppered and streaked with clouds of intense color; and - that bright full moon!
"WHAT DOES IT MEAN?" exclaimed our 15 year old Jacob. Always believing there is meaning in everything, he just knew this was a sign or message. As a little side note: it went from 74 to 85 and back to 76 on our thermostat as we shopped this December 24th; so we enjoyed discussions all day of the mixing up of seasons, a thief in the night and a trumpet's sound throughout the day. You know, fun "end times" talk.
My husband dropped us off and quickly ran back out for some ice. When he returned, he went straight to Jake with a voice of intensity that caused me to think something was wrong. I popped out to see what the excitement was about. He said "I saw that same beauty of the full moon, and remembered Jake's question. So, I just asked God while I was driving..."God, Jacob feels a meaning in this moon tonight. What does it mean God?"
"Mary, that still small voice spoke.!"
"CHRISTMAS EVE DAY WAS SUNSHINE .. CHRISTMAS EVE NIGHT A FULL MOON...
IN THE BEGINNING I CREATED THE SUN TO LIGHT THE DAY .. AND THE MOON TO LIGHT THE NIGHT..
THIS DAY EVEN THE SUN AND THE MOON CELEBRATE THE BIRTH
OF THE LIGHT OF THIS WORLD"
This year, though our family was alone, there was significant joy in celebrating the Son as His glorious birth literally lit up our Christmas. For each person we know and love, we wish you the greatest joy and blessing this year holds. May the Son of God light up your world as never before; and, may the Light of the World guide our paths in 2016 and forevermore!
