We have just come home from all that I wrote about in my blog yesterday. It is after 11 pm and our family is tired from the eating, games, candlelight service and visiting!
But tomorrow morning, Daniel and Caylea will be eager to gather in our dining room, around the tree with the fireplace/stove warming the atmosphere. They set the time for 8:30 - Daniel said he doesn't want to just rush through and head off to church. He wants to hang out with the family! This warms my heart.
We miss Mark and Amy joining us for the special time. But they are with Amy's family. It is important for the grieving process that they all be together to mourn the loss and experience the first Christmas without son and brother, Matthew. Oh, Lord, can You ease their pain and comfort them in Your loving arms?
Again, it is another Christmas without my Dad and we all mention him as we play cards and eat his favourite mince tarts and other sweets. It is also the first Christmas my Grandma Cecile will be without Grandpa Glen in over 60 years. We miss our loved ones.
The joy and hope can only come from the Lord. As we watched my little niece and nephew playing today, carefree of the adult responsibilities and unaware of the separation of death, I see how God's mercies are shown. New life; a new generation.
For the Love Lives Here bus ministry, I pray they have had meaningful times with those they encounter on the streets of north-central Regina tonight. They prepared food and treats to give out along with warm clothes for winter. I know they will share the meaning of Christmas and will pray with those who are willing. The team members will pray for those who are not willing! Lord Jesus, come to those who need You and call to You.
"It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold.
'Peace on the earth, goodwill to men
from heaven's all gracious King.'
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing."
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