Antalya had fun playing with the wrapping paper on her presents.
Mary and Joseph
The angels
The enactment of the nativity story
Christmas morning hike in the freshly fallen snowWhat a wonderful time of year. I enjoyed Christmas this year, my only complaint is that it passes so quickly that there is little time to stop and contemplate the wonderful "true" meaning of all the celebrating. I am truly grateful for and humbled by the birth of a little child so long ago in a land so far away. Without Christ's birth, ministry, atonement and resurrection there would be no meaning or purpose to our life here. No hope of a better world, no hope of reuniting after this life is through.
Several days ago I was talking with a friend about another friend of ours that is struggling to come to terms with some things that are happening in her life. "Life is so unfair. " We both agreed, but I also commented "but isn't that part of the beauty of life?" My friend didn't seem to agree, which left me pondering if I really meant what I said. Is life's seemingly unfairness part of it's beauty? I believe it is. Isn't it through our tailor-made trials that we gain the wisdom and experience we need to help others? Isn't it beautiful when people come together to help lift someone who has fallen or offer an understanding heart and a shoulder to cry on to someone who is alone? I believe our lives are all knit together. Each sorrow and each joy helps to unite us as brothers and sisters. How much of life's beauty would be missed if we lived in a 'fair and equal world' where each person received the same as the last!
4 comments:
I've always thought of Antalya as an angel...the picture just confirms it. :D
I'm glad you had a good Christmas! We miss you too.
I really felt like Christmas flew by this year too! It made me a little sad. At the beginning of the month I remember thinking that 25 days was a long ways away and then when it actually was Christmas, I couldn't believe it. I felt like I completel missed out on the opportunity to really ponder about the meaning of it all. Determined to do that before this year is up!
Antalya is the cutest little angel ever! And I agree with your comment about life, though I think if I was going through a hard time, it would probably be harder to swallow. But maybe it would bring the comfort I'd need, too.
You always have such profound thoughts! I enjoy reading your blog so much! Thanks for your words of wisdom. I know from personal experience (as I'm sure we all do) that it's hard to go through those trying times, especially when it seems that no one around you understands (although they do try to show their love). Life is hard, but what a great thought that, that is also where we find and can appreciate it's beauty.
Post a Comment