Merry Christmas!

by Jan Gossaert_Early 16th century




I just love the heavenly host hovering in the sky in this painting. The angels seem to be the only ones in this scene who really understand what's happening. They seem to be clapping their hands with joy. Everybody else looks most serious.

Little graces have abounded today. Youngest daughter and boyfriend arrived safely after a long trip filled with flight delays and a missed connection. Miraculously their luggage all arrived after being routed through O'Hare. Earlier I walked into Mother's room on the nursing unit to see a single red rose with a card which read "From someone who is thinking of you". One of the nurses told me that a rose was delivered anonymously to everyone of the patients on Long Term care. So many kindnesses have been extended to Mother and the others on the unit, most of whom have no idea who to thank.

Gifts are all wrapped. The tree still needs decorating. Oldest Daughter and my favorite son-in-law are en route. Good Lord willing our house will be full tonight. Well, not quite full. There is one free bed in the boy's room. Life is good. My family is healthy, normally content, employed and no one is in jail. We have food in the kitchen and will be able to pay our Christmas bills. According to NORAD, Santa is somewhere over Siberia, so Christmas is on the way. I send wishes to you for a joyful Christmas and a wish that your eyes be opened to the miracles around you.