Last Christmas was the first my mother spent in heaven. There was a brutal kind of loss that overshadowed so much for me. Between then and now, we sorted through and sold her house. While an arduous and tearful a process, it was also like a treasure chest. There were so many things they had collected in all their travels and intended to give as gifts–some even labeled with our names. Mom was a great one for tucking things away, never to surface until now. Also there were things from all those years of life, among them Christmas boxes. One of these I found this summer but determined to leave unopened until Christmastime. I hadn’t envisioned that I would be alone when I opened it to decorate the tree, but that’s how it turned out. A tearful process again.
And yet I felt her with me. The delight she took in handmade, artistic, and just lovely things. This little Anri deer had been collected in Italy and hangs near the chair where I write beside the tree at night. Little things, but they bring joy and remind me the body of Christ is a cloud of witnesses here and before the throne. A chorus of carols proclaim the incarnation, love becoming flesh. In spite of turmoil and distress, our God is awesome and supreme. We are his beloved and He is everything. Wishing you a blessed celebration of his birth and the triumph of his love. Glory and praise!
Christians Read 
I too spent last Christmas as the first Christmas without one of my parents. Last Christmas was the first one without my dad and my mother-in-law. This year is easier to appreciate the good memories that we shared with them at Christmas over the years.
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So happy you’re healing. Grace and peace to you.
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Kristen, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing from the heart, once again; even as you are continuing to heal. What a beautiful thing your mama did for you. And how like God -to allow you to find these special things, at this specific time. ❤
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Thanks, Sonia. That is the perfect analogy. 🙂
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Your thoughts are so special and I pray that you find peace and comfort in your memories. Merry Christmas and May God bless you.
Connie
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And you, Connie. Grace and joy.
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