It might be that it's 40 degrees and the ground is bare, or the fact that I spent a grand total of 24 hours in airports and airplanes yesterday, but it just doesn't feel like Christmas this year. Oh, and it could be that fact that my family just gained four more bodies and doubled in noise.
There are so many things going through my mind that it's hard to focus on Christmas. When you spend the week before Christmas in a place where people are just trying to survive rather than celebrate extravagantly for a month, Christmas loses its magic. I love what
Carlotta said
"It's not about feeling merry and bright -- it's about the quiet anticipation of the birth of our Savior, who humbled himself to be born of a virgin, who died the death of a criminal on a cross."
I'm not a huge fan of change. I love home and its steadiness. Now that its been shaken, traditions have to be taught...and relearned. Maybe that's the hardest part for me - changing traditions that have always been a part of me, of my family.
Tonight, as the whole (and I mean whole) family sat in church - taking up the entire row - I began to feel Christmas. The words of the songs, the reminders of the true meaning, helped me to refocus.
Oh, sure, I'm excited for the presents. Who wouldn't be? In fact, as soon as I finish this post, I'll crank up the Christmas music and wrap presents. (OK, so I'm a little late. I have a good excuse.)
The Four are home and life's about to change, but Christmas - and its namesake - are steady. Where would we be if He wasn't?
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Olivia! ♥
ReplyDeletewe wouldn't be if He wasn't.
ReplyDeletebeautiful, beautiful post, olivia. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and welcome home to the Four :))
-jocee <3
Hugs! I agree 100%!!!! I know what your going through, it's not easy! but I can say (being 2 weeks ahead of you in this journey) that it does get easier!
ReplyDeleteLove!xxx
This officially is my favorite post of yours. Love everything. So glad you're home safely, so glad everyone is safe and sound. I'm sure it might be difficult, but as you said, "Where would we be, if he wasn't?" as Jocee said, "we wouldn't be."
ReplyDeleteHugs, and a Merry Christmas! :)) <3
oh ohh, merriest of merry Christmases to you, Olivia dear! I know what you mean--for various reasons Christmas this year has been different for me too, and it's been harder to get in the Christmas spirit. but I guess we just have to make sure our focus is on the right thing...or rather, the right One. I can't imagine how much is changing for you and your whole family just now, but how exciting to finally have the Four home with you, and how special that it's just in time for Christmas. I hope your day tomorrow is absolutely loverly, my friend. (:
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Miss Olivia!!!
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord bless you and your family this Christmas!!!
Loving the jeans and the bird's eye view shots♥ Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeletethey're home! woohoo! I hope everything's going well, and I hope your family has a magical day tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteoh, Olivia! you've captured this beautifully. i agree--this might be my very favorite post. . . for so many reasons.
ReplyDeleteso glad you're home safe and sound. hold tight to Him. keep. holding. tight.
Merry, Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Such an inspiring post Olivia! Merry Christmas and enjoy your time with the Four :) I know you're elated to have them home with you finally.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Olivia!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures, and hope you have a GREAT day!
This touched my heart. I am so happy your four new family members got home in time for Christmas. God is so so great. <3 I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, dear! (and the first picture is beautiful!)
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say I think it's absolutely remarkable what you and your family has done...bringing four new little people into your lives. Merry Christmas to you all!
ReplyDeleteKatie