Well, it’s here; ready or not, Christmastime is here. Watching “The Bells of St. Mary’s” as backdrop to list writing and receipt sorting last night, I finally began to feel it. On the heels of work, rehearsals, ministry Brunches, papers, Christmas decorating (is everyone done but me?) shopping, etc. it was a quiet, nostalgic place for me.

First let me say sorry for not keeping up. I just couldn’t keep the connections up over the last couple of weeks. Short illustration:  We had family in town over Thanksgiving and on Sunday afternoon of their last day with us I laid down for an hour nap. I woke up 6 1/2 hours later! They graciously said, “Go back to bed, Nancy; you’re exhausted.” I was so I did. I slept a total of 15 hours. Who does that?

HOWEVER, I just hit “send” for my last paper of my coursework for this degree (Masters of Theology). Today, I have a little extra bounce in my step. My personal Facebook has a Youtube clip of the “Hallelujah chorus.” Hallelujah is right! Christmastime is here!

But in the quiet, I’m remembering what I did each day of this week last year. Last year at this time, I was heading to Toronto. My mom died a year ago this coming Friday just after midnight. My father died two days later.

Halt. Stop everything. Everyone quiet down. I remember saying to God over and over, “Mom’s not going to die, right Lord. It’s Christmas.”

I’m sobered by personal experience that this too is Christmas. Joys and sorrows mingled together; shining lights against darkness; “Hallelujahs” with tears.

Christmastime is here.

I’m real because God is so real. ~ Nancy