With apologies for letting almost 3 weeks elapse between posts, I can only offer as an excuse that we’ve been so busy – like many other families gearing up for Christmas.  But compared to where we were 12 months ago, I don’t mind that excuse – and hopefully neither do you!

In addition to gearing up for Christmas and all that it involves – including shopping for presents, rehearsing for Christmas pageants (the kids, not us!), and decorating the house and tree – we are mindful that there are important internal and spiritual components to that preparation as well.  For Christians, the message of Advent is about anticipation and preparation – making sure that at any moment we are ready to receive the real gifts of Christmas.  I think we’ve learned the meaning of that preparation this year.  As we’ve had to face each new challenge or celebrate each new triumph, there’s been a growing sense that we are not in control.  Sure, we can influence the course of events to some extent, but ultimately our role has been to react – with as much grace as we can – and keep on keeping on, and making sure that we’re ready because as the old Advent hymn goes, “At Midnight Comes the Cry!”

Last year our Christmas was v-e-r-y different if you recall.  Mary Elizabeth and I were on our own in London (although she was still in a coma so I felt pretty much alone) and the kids were having Christmas without us. The Halkous treated me like their family for a day and included me in their impromptu celebrations in the waiting room at the hospital.  But it was still pretty grim.   I remember saying that instead of focusing on that particular Christmas, I would focus on the next one.  And guess what? Here we are!

This Christmas is different in a number of ways.  First off, we’re together – all under one roof.  Secondly, Mary Elizabeth is awake and aware – talking, smiling and fully a part of the celebrations.  We saw the kids perform in the Christmas pageant at church yesterday (we had a shepherd, an angel and a reader), and we all went out to dinner last night.  I was up until the small hours this morning wrapping presents, and a few minutes ago, I was informed that Santa stopped by last night and dropped off a Wii.

Contentment abounds.

So now I will end this post to go prepare a Christmas morning breakfast and then settle down to the serious business of opening presents. But throughout this wondrous day, I hold the flame of gratitude, hope and love burning gently in my heart.

As I listen to Mary Elizabeth chatting with the kids in the next room, I send you all the warmest wishes for Christmas.