Tipsy Angel

The tree’s only been up a few days and already the spiky top is leaning over, the angel perched precariously as though she might pitch sideways at any moment. Pine needles haven’t yet begun to rain down on the carpet though. 

Preparations for the big day are in full swing. Cards are mostly sent, some meaningful, some funny. Decorations are up. Cake is made. Cookies are underway, and their production will no doubt take up hours over the next few days. And a few more presents to buy, a little more food to purchase.

What would be nice, right smack in the middle of the week before Christmas, would be a full day’s retreat. A retreat from the bustle and hustle of it all in order to reflect on the meaning of the day, take stock of the year which has past, anticipate and pray about the year to come. 

I don’t see it happening this side of Christmas. But I hope that between the holidays I will make space for such a pause. 

God calls us to remember what he has done. It gives us strength and hope for the future, when we remember the wonderful things he has done in the past. 

Whatever this season means for you, be it happy or be it blue, I pray that you will allow yourself space to reflect with God.

We don’t want to waver like the tipsy angel atop the tree, in danger of pitching forward or backward.