'tis the season

Happy New Year everyone! May 2014 bring you joy, peace, and adventure!

Over the past week, I have had the opportunity to spend time with my family and I am overwhelmed by the life God has given me.  For someone who does very little to deserve so much, I truly am blessed. 

     I started my Christmas break with a trip to pick up my younger sister in Dayton.  We stopped off to see our aunt and uncle, and then had a lovely trip up north, to our parents’ house.  The car ride was anything but relaxing… driving through a deluge and taking the wrong turn twice… but the conversation was just grand.  In a world of confusion and chaos, it’s easy to get lost in my own problems and forget about the important things.  Anyone who has met my sister can tell you, she has an inexhaustibly positive outlook on life, and she’s always reminding me of what’s important.   Our conversation was refreshing and a great way to start off my break from school.

     There have been so many wonderful moments throughout the last few weeks and it has been so good for my soul.  Whether I’ve been cuddled up on a chair, watching Love Actually, or sipping hot tea while reading by the glow of our Christmas tree lights, I’ve felt at peace for most of this break.  For some reason, this Christmas, more than those of the past, has reminded me of how close God is and that He is the reason for peace in my heart.  Everything seems to revolve around His name: Emmanuel.  He truly is with us.

~born to be our friend~

     Christmas Eve was one of those moments I could feel the peace and joy of the season.  We were standing in church, holding candles and singing Silent Night.  For just a few seconds, everything seemed suspended and I felt an overwhelming sense of joy.  Tim was gently holding my hand, and I could hear Gram, singing in a soft soprano voice.  My nephew was to my left, carefully watching his candle flicker, while my year-old niece was looking up at the lights onstage, her eyes wide with wonder.  There we were, four generations of family, sharing a precious moment of anticipation.  We were waiting for our King.

<<The world in solemn stillness lay>>

     When we were little, our Christmas morning always started the same.  Before we opened presents, we had a beautiful little tradition that started with our baby Jesus nativity figurine (which we never had out before Christmas day) and Mom and Dad’s ring pillow from their wedding day.  We would put the little baby Jesus on the white, satin pillow and then the five of us would walk to the nativity scene, singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.  Something so small could easily be lost in the hustle and bustle of the excitement of Christmas day, but even now, that small reminder of why we’re celebrating stays with me.  My parents had us thinking of Jesus first on Christmas, and I know that the tradition will continue with my kids one day. 

…born a child, and yet a King…

     A new tradition my parents have started is inviting us to a rented house/cabin and spending two nights after Christmas… just our immediate family.  This is quite a change from the boisterous Weibl-family gatherings we use to have.  At first, I resisted the change; our yearly Christmas-day party was something I loved about Christmas and I was reluctant to change the tradition.  Now, after the second year has come and gone, I have to say I’m grateful for the change.  There are so few moments when the five of us siblings can get together for an uninterrupted time and this has become a wonderful chance to be with my best friends.  For 23 years of my life, I was surrounded by the noise, humor and exuberance of my family… and when we are together, the world seems crazy, loud and wonderful once again.  Most people might cringe at the thought of three days with family and no hope of escape, but for me, it’s a fantastic time.  There are always little bumps and no one knows how to push your buttons like your own family, but those rough moments are totally worth it for the chance to be with my siblings, who have grown up to be people I genuinely like.

**LOVE and JOY come to you**

So with this remarkable year coming to a close, celebrate the past and look forward to the future.  And as you make those new-years resolutions, focus on Him and the wondrous life He has given you… because isn’t that what it’s all about? Bettering ourselves for His glory and praise.

And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year!

-Kate