the Christmas spirit

 the Christmas spirit.
as of lately i have been contemplating
the Christmas spirit.

and i have been wondering
what one thing
is the cause of my not feeling so "christmas-y" this year.

is it the warm weather and sunny skies?

is it the great distance from family?

or the transition after transition we have been involved in?

or the just getting settled in the new place?

is it the lack of Christmas decorations adoring every corner?

is it the nonexistance of crazy, pushy shoppers fighting for just the right gift?

or the absence of large, loud choirs proclaiming the Christ child's birth we remember from so many years past?






as i talked with a new friend at the Christmas carols tonite,
we decided it was an accumulation of them all.

and tonite, oh tonite
the choir, the instruments, the candles, the being surrounded by new friends (most of whom are not near their families for Christmas like us).
and yes, even the juggling of the kids for hours on a picnic blanket.
finally. finally.
i feel it.
eyes closing, heart warming. fullness.
the newborn babe that came to live with us and save us.
the story we know so well.
the donkey and census.
and no room.
and manger.
and swaddling clothes.
yes, i am feeling it. i am getting in the spirit.
the true reason for the season.
no matter where in the world you are.
it doesn't have to be snowy...it wasn't that nite in Bethlehem anyway.
it doesn't have to be presents and people everywhere.
but songs. songs that sing the true meaning of Christmas.
they strike a chord. literally.
proclaiming...

Christmas is Jesus. His birth. His birthday.
Celebrating Him wherever you are.