Our homes are an iconic reminder of what is important in our lives. Never are homes more beautiful than at Christmas Time. It is then that we take stock and relive memories and reminders of what matters most in this mortal life. It is Christ and His gifts to us to live now, and again and forever with the people that we love the most in His kingdom. Love is the heart of any good home. Ideally it is the place where we nurture and shelter one another, the place we can be ourselves with all our ordinary flaws and weaknesses and feel safe. This is because we belong to God's most important social unit, our family and it is there that we are loved unconditionally, no matter what and forever. We know that not every family is like this and also that even the best of families struggle, but this idyllic concept of family is one we cling to and that we love and strive for in our hearts.
As I have contemplated what to share this year home and family have jumped right into the foreground for me. Ironically, we have been gone from home more than ever this year. We have had wonderful travels, the earth is a beautiful place. But there truly is no place like home where our roots run deep. The travel gives us good cause to enjoy home and hearth all the more when we return. Especially for the simple things like our own bed, a closet, dresser, our own bathroom and kitchen and the suitcases tucked out of sight.
We have learned many new things about our ancestors this year and it has been so broadening and significant in terms of seeing life as so much larger than we had imagined. This happens when you begin to see your family as an endless stream of people from the beginning and see that that procession of family not only includes you, but marches past you. You witness the lives of your own children growing up and then their children. It allows you to recognize in a new way that we are a part of something so huge and magnificent and important.
As you look back through the history of your family, you begin to know them and appreciate them so much. Especially for their sacrifices to bring you to this place where you are now. It takes you outside of yourself in a very healthy way and makes you want to be your best self.
There is never a Christmas Table set in our home that we do not think of and reflect upon all who have shared Christmas with us in the past. Many faces of family and dear friends that have gone on before us, return to our hearts at Christmas and we are one big happy family again in spirit. Those thoughts are a type and an image of what eternal life will be like, aren't they? They are all remembered with love and affection this time of year especially. At one time we had five generations around our table when Jennifer was a baby.
Our children are not coming home for Christmas and we are not going to be with them physically, but spiritually and emotionally we are. Ironically we have spent more time with them this year, than in any year I can remember since they all married in 1997. It is true that all hearts do come home for Christmas, even if we are not all physically in one place. The ties that bind us are strong cords no matter where we are. So in our hearts and minds there is no separating Christmas, home or family. So wherever you are, or wherever your family may be, may the peace of your endless love for them bring you happiness and joy this beautiful 2013 Christmas.
***When you come the the end of this page and have scrolled all the way down to the bottom of the blog you will have read the post on Chris' family. Next click on older posts to read about Laura's family and any others until you come to the music which marks the end of this year's Christmas Card. Thanks you for visiting us!
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