Whatever else be lost among the years,
Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing:
Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears,
Let us hold close one day, remembering
Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men.
Let us get back our childlike faith again.
-Grace Noll Crowell
Cookies don't tell the story, however lovingly sugared and wrapped. Presents don't either. Lights, guests, travels and carols don't even come close. The true magic of Christmas is a heart thing, a realization that sinks to your core before swirling around your heart and surging to your senses. It's knowing that God could love someone like you... someone like me... deeply enough to show us. To come down here - here with our death and sickness and heartbreak and struggles - and offer up Himself... His love... in the most spectacular way. Cards, trees and egg nog don't tell that story. Reindeer and tinsel don't either.
God came down... God came close... and love, finally, had a name: Jesus.
Hoping that - whatever else may be lost, doubted, mourned, feared, or unrealized - you will join me in holding close this shining thing, this blessed Christmas day, until we feel the surge of that childlike faith again.
Happy, happy Christmas, dear one. -Brin
39 comments:
Merry Christmas, Brin! I hope it's a sweet one for you.
How beautifully, poetically, and poignantly stated, Brin.
Merry Christmas to you. The Redeemer came, and He lives, always to redeem and to show the way.
Deb D. in Indiana
Your words always soothe me and I am so grateful. Merry Christmas! Come check out what is going on at www.thechristmasmiracleproject.blogspot.com and tell everyone you know if you feel led to do so.
xoxo
And the merriest of Christmases to you too dear Brin.
Great post. Merry Christmas, Brin!
perfectly put.
have a wonderful christmas, brin xx
Beautifully said, Brin. Have a wonderful Christmas. :)
xoxo
Michelle
It has been a long, hard year. We have both had our losses this year - mine was losing my sweet Daddy in September, which was only slightly less hard than the 2 years preceeding his death. He is now whole, healthy, and celebrating Christmas with the One who made it possible. I am finding great joy in that! I hope you are finding joy whereever you can this wonderful season!
Are you as ready as I am to see the back side of 2009, and the hope and opportunities of a new year? I wish you all the best, and many realized hopes and dreams in 2010!
Blessings, Becky
Thank you sweet Brin, that's the most beautiful way to put it! Merry Christmas!! Hugs!
Amen. I needed this. Merry Christmas Brin. And a blessed and happy new year!
This post goes right to the heart of why we celebrate.
We should always be mindful.
Thank you and Merry Christmas.
So happy to see another post up before Christmas! Inspiring post . . . and the cookies aren't bad either : )!! May you squeeze every bit of peace and joy possible out of this Christmas season! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas sweet girl. I love your post. I may just print it off and read it to my family.
Peace.
AMEN! Have a very Merry Christmas too!
Hugs...
tara
Merry Christmas, Brin. It is so refreshing to hear the true meaning of Christmas when all around us is commercialism. Thanks for all you do to brighten your little corner of the world. God Bless you. TB
Oh those cookies! How pretty.
Thank you, Brin, for always being an encourager often right smack in the middle of your own trials. May you and yours enjoy a blessed Christmas and keep it in your heart all year through.
I didn't see my post so I left another one. I didn't mean to leave two.
I don't think I've read something so perfect in describing what Christmas is all about. Thank you for articulating that so beautifully and for reminding me how much God loves us. Merry Christmas Brin. Hoping that all your dreams will be realized in the New Year. Best Wishes, TWT
Beautifully said, Brin...as usual. Thanks for posting this and have a Merry CHRISTmas and New Year, too!
XOXO
Joni
Perfectly said:) Happy Christmas!
Brin, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year. Your words are an inspiration to me, your honesty and grace with words are beautiful! Hugs, Heather
Merry, merry Christmas to you.
Arent we so lucky that He loves us so much? Merry Christmas Brin!
The sweetest beauty is coming out of you these days Brin. I've been following your blog for I think 3 yrs. now...and these days you are in right now are more precious than all the others. His love...just wade in it...stay there for a while...let Him run over you like water from an overflowing brook flooding the dry and thirsty places. Lay down in the meadow beside the still waters... a lover waiting for her beloved. Be with Him...let Him let you know Him more.
Merry Christmas....
Merry Christmas Brin and many blessings!
happy Christmas to you and sweet Millie.
many hugs
Merry Chritsmas my friend..
Stay warm and cozy..
Merry Christmas from our family. Hope you're keeping warm.
With 2009 being just awful, I found wonderful little moments and gestures with family and friends. The truly good people in my life mean the world to me and have kept me going. So this year Christmas has a new meaning for me. It’s not the things, it’s the people who are important. Brin, I hope you have a warm and happy Christmas.
Simply .. amen.
jAne * tickleberryfarm.blogspot.com
Hope you had a happy Christmas with friends, family and dog!
Tine in Denmark
Brin,
I have been reading your blog and finding inspiration along the way. I know this past year has been so difficult for you. It has been pretty awful for me as well. But somehow your spirit has touched mine and I have felt comforted. I truly believe your faith has kept me from losing mine.
I pray that 2010 brings you blessings, peace and untold goodness.
Thank you for your words.
You matter in this world...
What a gorgeous post. I am going to bookmark it for next year. LOVE it.
Ashley adored her hat and my friends loved their dish cloths. You made Christmas extra special for a lot of people.
I know Jesus is love... he made YOU!
Happy New Year Brin!
I love following along with your blog. You're definitely one of the most talented writers in all of Blogland!
I'd like to include links to some of my favorite posts you've written this year in my blog post today. Would that be alright? Would it be okay if I used a photo or two too?
My email address is LaylaPalmer@aol.com.
I'd love to get your permisssion and help spread the word about your amazing blog!
:-)
Layla
The Lettered Cottage
Dear Brin,
I know that sometimes silence means the author is experiencing excruciating pain. (Either that, or you're taking your sweet pooch for many l-o-n-g walks.) I am praying for you, Brin. May you truly feel God carrying you through.
The work verification thingy below says, "lailow." You know, sometimes we have to do just that: lay low. So, as you lay low, I pray that the Lord blesses you to the marrow of your bones. Not in ways that the world considers important, but in supernatural blessings that only you can interpret and grow from in the coming days and months.
Happy New Year Brin,
Hope all is well and that 2010 is a beautiful one for you. You made 2009 much better for me. You and I lost our jobs about the same time. I started my own business because you opened Henry Bella's! So you are an inspiration. Keep it up. Good things are waiting for you, I know it, and I know that you know it too. Love, Cathy
Hi Brin, how was your Christmas? Hope you made it safely into 2010 x
I have been reading your blog for almost a year and half now and have finally started my own blog so thought I would leave you a post.
I just have to tell you that it's a little cup of sunshine in my day whenever I see you have a new post. I was sad for you that you lost Freeman house but comforted to know that you have found a new direction in life. Thank you for continuing to write the blog :) I know we all breathed a sigh of relief.
Have you ever thought of posting your pictures on websites that you can sell them to? Your pictures are really good!!!
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