Vacancy + A Last Post

[ J O Y garland c/o: The Parcel Post Company ]

Advent (noun) // the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event

Here we are, the last few days before Christmas - simmering away as a swirl
or cinnamon, balsam pine, and melted chocolate wrap us up as we wrap up the presents,
the work, all the to-do lists. The kettle is whistling - steam, fire, roaring it's time - it's time!
The Lion of Judah is coming to be born once again in the Bethlehem of our hearts.

A sense of urgency overwhelms me. I've hustled and bustled, sang songs about silver bells
and drummer boys, kissed, always kissing, "Santa Clause", baked, bows, bowing my head to
pray each night - the Jesse Tree - retracing the steps of salvation history with my little
ones in tow, confessing my sins - praying to be made white as snow - snow for a baby Savior.



"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her
firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was
no guest room available for them." - Luke 2:6-7

No room.

No room?

Turned away in the fullness of pregnancy, at the first Advent. Left to a cave or a shelter
for livestock - I see poor, dear St. Joseph running his calloused, worn from work, hands through
his hair - shaking his head, trying so hard to hold it together, to BE the shelter for Mary and the
Mystery she carried in her womb. I see Mary laughing - throwing up her hands in praise because
she knows that wherever they rest - they will be resting with the King of kings!

And HE comes.

No room, but He comes anyway... seeking room in our hearts.

I am hanging out the VACANCYsign.
Be born in this heart, Lord. I have room.
Be born in all VACANT hearts this Christmas -
fill every nook, cranny - and in Your mysterious ways
never let us be FULL, but always longing for more -
always seeking to invite those in our lives into
the J O Y of a vacant, but never empty, Christ-filled life.

May you and yours have a blessed and full -
MERRIEST OF CHRISTMASES!!!

In the spirit of being VACANT - expectant -
I will be on vacation until after the New Year!!!
This is my last post of 2013.
It's time to disconnect to reconnect, to make memories, celebrate,
work on new projects, and re-group for The Lily Field 2014!!!
Don't worry, I'm coming back - you better come back too.

[ ornaments c/o: The Parcel Post Company ]