The Christmas Spirit

It didn't hit really.  My first wave of Christmas had me singing Mariah Carey's "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time).  I'll copy the lyrics with notes below.  Suffice it to say that I was not feeling Christmassy.  Last year, I was remaking Christmas for my children.  This year, I have been dragging my feet and not remembering the traditions I fought so hard to establish last year. 

Today on the first day of vacation, for the first time in a very long time.  I am partly caught up on some work at the job.  Today I am released for vacation and it has dawned on me.  I'm off.  I'm on vacation officially. 

I think the spirit (Holy Spirit) has been slowly eking itself into my bloodstream slowly.  My small group prayed over me and I have felt thankful at the longevity of the Jesus story through out the Bible.  The hospitality of friends and families that have invited my children and me into their lives.  I want to shout out Amelia, who talked of hospitality and who invited me to her beautiful home for a cookie exchange.  I didn't bring any cookies but I left with some.  There were some that was gluten-free even.  She doesn't know this but as we sang Christmas Carols, happily; I was so thankful.  Amelia took a moment to show me physically what grace is.  How much more is God's grace!!!

My husband was a friend to Amelia's husband, Joshua or vice versa.  I thought of this as I drove home last night from Amelia's cookie exchange.  I thought about how Dr. Greever prayed at Santi's memorial.  When I asked him, he said that he would be honored. Their combined kindnesses was before me.  I felt... warmed. I could see Santi talking with Joshua after church in my mind.  He had friends.  He was loved. 

My son put up the tree.  He put it up and put the decorations on.  I bought the candy canes.  We found a 2019 ornament.  We took pictures.  With all of the candles lit, I could finally feel the Christmas Spirit.  God is so good to me.

The fire is burning
The room's all aglow
Outside the December wind blows
Away in the distance
The carolers sing in the snow
Everybody's laughing
The world is celebrating
And everyone's so happy
Except for me tonight

Because I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right
But then I miss you
Most at Christmas time

I gaze out the window
This cold winter's night
At all of the twinkling lights
Alone in the darkness
Remembering when you were mine
Everybody's smiling
The whole world is rejoicing
And everyone's embracing
Except for you and I

Baby I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right
But then I miss you
Most at Christmas time

In the springtime
Those memories start to fade
With the April rain
Through the summer days
Till autumn's leaves are gone
I get by without you
Till the snow begins to fall

And then I miss you
Most at Christmas time
And I can't get you
Get you off my mind
Every other season comes along
And I'm all right
But then I miss you
Most at Christmas time