Notes from Jan

Breathless in Bethlehem

December 19, 2016

The 4th  Sunday of Advent’s history.  How’d it come and go so fast?

Some of it’s because I flew to North Carolina for Thanksgiving, surprised to learn, upon returning, the first Sunday of Advent’d already come and gone.  Then, yesterday snuck up, announcing the 4th Sunday of Advent, and it’s just December 18th.

Feels like a fair amount of my life’s fast tracking. Maybe yours, as well.

Some of you might remember, I’m the one who pasted a sticker on the washing machine at Wilson House stating, “I’m so far behind, I thought I was first.”

Maggie reminded me of my one small dash, after attending the Christmas Gala at Gordon. We sang, O Come All Ye Faithful, a favorite.  Afterwards, I asked if she thought of Popo, her grandfather, while singing, “o sing all ye citizens of heav’n above.” 

Maggie said, “Yes! ”

Then added with more joy than necessary, “And I told Popo it won’t be long before you’ll be with him!”

Catching herself quickly, added, “But not too soon.”

Which, I suppose, is part of the dilemma we live with, when we look around and within, “soon but not too soon.”

Until God calls, there’s time to laugh,  to practice singing,  continue hoping and believing, and to stay connected with seekers, strugglers and saints,  all on our Way to Bethlehem.

So come, all ye faithful.

Keep on to Bethlehem, to breathlessly behold, Christ, the Lord, who somehow was with us, all the Way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  • Reply Dale Lefever December 19, 2016 at 10:20 pm

    Thanks Jan,

    I will have to review my “heavenology” materials to make sure there is laughter in heaven, or maybe pure joy is what to expect. To be absent from the body or present with the Lord becomes an easier choice as this body has a medical rap sheet suggesting it should be uninsurable.

    Blessings, Dale

  • Reply Sharon December 20, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    Thanks Jan. Every Christmas It feels like presence or presents is an either or for me when it shouldn’t have to be. Then I promise myself to get it right the next go around. You remind me of what is important. Merry Christmas to you and your family .

  • Reply wendy lane December 20, 2016 at 11:21 pm

    My Mom always told me the older I get the faster time would go… so far she’s absolutely right! Whew! I do have some time off after Christmas which I’m really looking forward to “slowing down” a little. Maybe even get lost in a good book! Any recommendations of a good novel? 🙂 <3

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