The Weary World Rejoices

These past few days have been quiet at the Avery house.  We've had the flu and the Beau-Co. Crud take up residence (and among our extended family).  We literally had to stop and rest and be still. 

My dreams of holiday busyness and the last minute hustle and bustle were quickly put on the back burner--because it just wasn't happenin' with the sickness.  We spent too many hours napping and laying around.  We've watched a ton of movies and have had a lot of screen time.  We've eaten soup and comfort food, we've wiped noses and administered meds like it was our job.  

It's brought a whole new meaning to "the weary world rejoices" because I have felt some to-the-bone weariness these past few days.  It has been all I could do to just exist, and thankfully my husband felt better a few days before I did to prevent our home from completely falling apart.   

We've had a lot of quiet time just as our little family five.  We missed a lot of our favorite things--the Sunday before Christmas service (with all the Christmas music), Christmas Eve celebration with Chris' family, and other fun things I had planned in preparation for this blessed day.  It hasn't really felt like Christmas, even surrounded by all of the pretty lights and decorations in our home.    

But, this is all that really matters, isn't it?  We have our sweet family who is finally on the mend (save for a nasty cough all 4 girls have kept).  Santa still came and brought his 3 gifts for each child (just like baby Jesus), and we will extend our family gatherings over the next few days.  We have plenty of food, a wonderful home, and have been blessed in immeasurable ways. 

Quiver Tree Photography, 2014

Christ was born so many years ago without all the holiday glam.  Mary was probably bone-weary with exhaustion from the end of her pregnancy.  Joseph was probably overwhelmed with caring for his wife and this new blessed Child.  I'm not sure if Mary recognized the magnitude of Promise her baby brought the world, or "the thrill of hope" in the eternal sense.  But I'm sure she found herself full of love and adoration--much like many of us parents who have marveled in the faces of their new baby.

This Jesus, this baby, this Savior, this King.  

He is the One we celebrate this glorious morning. 

He has come for us, and He's coming again.  

Oh holy night!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angel voices

Oh night divine

Oh night when Christ was born

Merry Christmas to you and yours-- 

xoxxo