Journeying to Grace

Years ago, I dreamt of running a year-round Christmas store. What could be more joyful than Christmas every day?! I had fun sketching a design for a logo and planned to name my dream store ‘O Holy Night.’ Those elements were fun to imagine and think about; but the business, inventory, and permits—not so much.

O Holy Night is my favorite carol, favorite phrase, and favorite image of Christmas. To me, ‘O Holy Night’ says it all. As I pause and imagine—at least try to imagine—that holiest of nights, it’s overwhelming. Mary, Joseph, the journey, the innkeeper, the animals. All in place to bring us a Savior. As we celebrate this extraordinary gift of hope and love today, let us all fully live in the good news of great joy and perhaps find a few quiet minutes in prayer and thanksgiving to ponder a favorite image of Christmas. Maybe it’s a Christmas long ago at your grandmother’s house…maybe it’s a special Midnight Mass that awakened your spirit…maybe it’s the image of the shepherds and the angel with the heavenly hosts proclaiming, ‘Glory to God in the Highest.’ Take some precious time to be with the Lord and tell Him what stirs in your heart this Christmas Day.

I wish you and your loved ones a very merry, blessed, and holy Christmas that continues to bring hope and love throughout the coming year. What could be more joyful than Christmas/ Emmanuel/ God with us every day?

Let all within us praise His holy name