Surprise!

This is the first Christmas for several years that I haven't set out in search of Christmas joy.
You know that lament 'I don't feel Christmassy.'
So we grit our teeth, and try our best to make the feelings come.

This year is different somehow.
Maybe because time does heal
At least partly.

But I think it's because I'm learning to live in the moment.
The practice of mindfulness has helped.
And in that moment it's ok.

It's ok to feel happy
Or sad
Or tired
Or grumpy
Or full of beans
Or overjoyed
Or overwhelmed
Or....

It's ok.
Truly.

Stop
Breathe
Remember.

He is Immanuel
God with us.
Right here
Right now.

God with us may not change our circumstances
Our disappointments or frustrations
But He shares it
Feels it
Lives it.

Immanuel
The wonder of Christmas
That God left the splendour of his world
To get messy in ours.

He knows
He feels
He loves
Oh how He loves.

Immanuel

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