So we could have a family

My parents died several years ago and even my brother Bill, my only sibling, passed away before his time. Their absence now does not define my days as it did early on. But last night my general unease could be named as missing them, here at Christmas. Like a recurrence of an old injury, I was reminded that the wound is still there, not fresh but tender. I am also made aware of God’s grace in my immediate family-wife and daughter, friends, extended family and adopted family.

“When the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son…that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons [and daughters], God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts crying, Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:4-7)

In the manner of an ancient adoption ceremony that would mean God saying, “Yes, you are my child.” and my response of “Yes, you are my Father.” And the covenant would be sealed. God came down at Christmas as a child so we could have a family. No matter how we feel at Christmas or any other time, love is born for us too.

Quiet

Christmas Day. Through my living room window I see a post card in the making-four inches of snow and counting with no end in sight. Presents opened. The Christmas story read. My wife and daughter enjoying an afternoon nap. My foot propped up on the ottoman, nursing an ankle broken 2 weeks ago during a prior snowfall (I wish I had a better story on how it happened). A parade of puffed up birds coming to the feeders out front for their Christmas meal. So here we are. Nowhere to go. Nothing else to do. Quiet, like the snow. Lord, stay a while.