I was so happy my son Caleb’s kindergarten teacher allowed me to come share how our family celebrates the holidays, by lighting Advent candles last week.

I took the opportunity to share how each candle represents a different part of the Christmas story & I used our Little People Nativity Set to re-enact the story as each candle was being lit.

The star candle represented hope, angel’s candle peace, shepherd’s candle joy, magi’s candle love.

But when I got to the Christ candle, I freaked out because in the rush of the morning, I forgot the most important candle!

So, I took red construction paper, wrapped it around a ruler and cut out a yellow flame, taped it on and stuck it on a bottle of fish food in the classroom to stand it up.

God was quietly encouraging me through this mishap that as long as we have Jesus in our hearts, we will always have Christmas, even if it’s not perfect.

It’s time for you and me too.  To come. 

To step into the silence of Christmas Eve.

Is It Time?

The shepherds didn’t have time to go home and get presents.  They simply left their fields and went. To see Jesus.

Is it time for you to leave the frantic efforts of trying to be more — and simply come to Jesus, as you are?

Mary didn’t have time to understand how God could be birthed in her.  Mary confided in her confusion, “How can this be?”  Then, she simply said, “Let it be to me, just as you have said.”

Is it time for you to confide — in all that troubles you?  Is it time for you to surrender to His plan for you?

Joseph didn’t have time to put together a Plan B or make reservations in Bethlehem before baby arrived.  He had to yield to whatever was available, even if it meant taking shelter in a manger.

Will you allow God to be your shelter — and follow Him to write a new story into your life?

In the Middle

In many ways, you and I are alike.  Christmas finds us in the middle of our journeys in life.

We may try to shove our stories to the side during the holiday season, but really, that isn’t how Jesus first came to us.

He came to us — the middle of the night — unplanned — in the most unexpected ways.

Jesus wants to enter into our stories in the same way.

Jesus longs to draw close and say to us —

I am Christmas in you. I am Emmanuel.  

I am here to stay.

Jesus whispers —

Come. Rest your heart.

Let me love you. 

It’s Christmas Eve.

We can never be fully ready for Christmas.  We don’t need to be.

Jesus loves us. As is.

Jesus whispers —

Come to me.

All who are tired and weary laden.

And I will give you rest.

Matt. 11:28

Let’s stop and whisper in return —

I am here.

Make me new again. 

We don’t need to have a perfect Christmas. We just need to share His story, in our voice. As is.

Now, some kindergarten kids have heard Christmas Story, along with all the other holidays in this season.

When I asked them what love means to them, one little boy raised his hand and said “When you love someone, they love you back.”

May we all feel God’s love loving us back, as we rest our hearts with Him.

Merry Christmas, dear kindreds.

Merry Christmas. 

~~~~~

How are you this Christmas Eve Day, friend?

Pull up a chair.  Click to comment.  This is a sweet place for your soul. And mine.  

Hi friends,

Merry Christmas to you and those you love.  I hope you have a very soulful, fresh Christmas in your heart. I’m remembering and thinking of you today, across the miles.

This has been such a life-changing year for me.  And you’ve been here with me, as it has all unfolded.  I’d have you over for a piece of apple pie tonight, Christmas Eve, if I could.  Thank you for journeying with me, sharing your heart, prayers and stories.  

Thank you for supporting me – by sharing news of the book release Finding Spiritual Whitespace with your family and friends. And most of all, for just being kindreds, reading here and making this place real.  Thank you for being my soul words community.

I’ll be unplugging — enjoying spiritual whitespace — downtime — to recharge and refresh in the coming weeks.  I’m not sure how often I’ll blog.  But I’ll be back in January sometime to serve up the Faith Barista blog posts.  Hot and fresh. Just for you.

Join me and be daring: feed your soul.  Give yourself permission to rest.  Put your well-being as priority.  Enjoy as much whitespace as your soul prompts.

But, get ready to write and share your journey with me in the new year! 

For one thing, our Spiritual Whitespace Face(Book) Club is starting January 22, 2015.  

So, get a fresh journal ready and grab a copy of the book!

I can’t wait to take the journey of rest together — in community — here at Faith Barista.

Get Ready for 2015!

Our Spiritual Whitespace Face(Book) Club starts January 22nd

Order the book — invite a friend — and get ready to be soul refreshed!