The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
John 1:14

Five years ago I flew from Baltimore to Costa Rica with my son and his family to spend Christmas in a beautiful place and for Brad to recuperate from a hectic holiday season of singing. The family compound we stayed at was simply gorgeous with a view across the mountains, lush trees and flowers, waterfalls and toucans who swooped down to grab the bananas the grandsons put out.

With four little boys who had been told Santa was aware they were having fun far off, I was not at all sure Christmas would pass without tears or complaints. But what to my wondering eyes did appear but the most memorable Christmas Eve of my life. A local woman and her niece arrived perched on her motor scooter balancing the homemade food we had ordered. Since none of us spoke enough Spanish, we still do not know exactly what we had but it was delicious. And then! The older boys acted out the Christmas story. Camon, aged 8, read from his Bible while the 6 and 7 year old acted out many parts. Although it may seem silly to those not there it was truly heartwarming to see them be shepherds, a pregnant Mary and even the baby Jesus. The night was beautiful, serene and one of the loveliest evenings of my life. God dwelt among us.

Thought for the Day: Christmas is not gifts, carols, traditions or attending the annual service but is remembering Christ, his humble beginnings and his sacrifice to save us all. It happens in our hearts wherever we are.

Prayer: Father, I want this holiday season to be filled with light even in this fraught time. Help me make this holiday season an offering of praise to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Karen Bennett