In the Early Hours

By 5:40 AM, I was in the shower, and three children were wide awake, waiting.  My Drummer husband and our youngest were still asleep.  One day before, on Christmas Eve day, the Drummer and our oldest son had returned from an out of town trip.  I hoped all would remain quiet for another hour or so for him to rest. 

Downstairs, I silently moved through the morning chores.  Even on Christmas morning a dog needs tended, coffee brewed, and breakfast prepared. 

Moving about the darkened rooms, I waited for the sun to rise.  I wanted to finish the DPP challenge with a beautiful picture of the sun rising.  I thought it would be poignant and beautiful.  Obviously, I had big plans for my final photo. 

However, my imagined crescendo, failed.  I missed the sun rise.  If it was spectacular, I do not know.  Instead, I was captivated by a much quieter image.

Breezing through the living room, I lit a candle.  Though I had a breakfast casserole in the oven, I wanted the 'fresh' pine scent that our artificial tree could never produce.  It was the candle lighting that illuminated the scene. 

The scene was our nativity set.  The candle flickered light over the baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, lit the path for the wise men, and shined on one of the sheep.  The entire scene was reminiscent of a touching "Silent Night" moment. 

But, it was the sheep that really caught my eye.  It was glowing in the light, reminding me of the words I read a day or so ago in Revelation 5:12...

In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and praise!"

Looking from the baby to the sheep, knowing the path He walked when He tread this earth and the suffering He endured, I couldn't help but say Thank You.  Thank You, Jesus, for coming to earth as a babe, for Your humility, Your sacrifice, Your love...thank You!  You are worthy of all praise and glory!

~ Dorie

...continuing my gratitude listing...

849.  God in human skin, walking this earth, for me, for you, for all

850.  Christmas morning moments

851.  safe travels for husband and son

852.  daughter's beautiful singing during Christmas Eve service

853.  Christmas cookies made and decorated by little hands

854.  loved one mending after surgery

855.  the sweetest sentiments, cards, letters, phone calls, emails, and comments received this week

856.  moments of laughter in tense times

857.  fresh bread and French onion soup for Christmas Eve dinner

 858.  remembering why He came...

{Day 25 and last day of DPP}

...and so it continues...