Christmas Morning Reflections

At the start of this year, I wouldn't have thought that I'd be spending Christmas morning poolside watching it rain. It's a beautiful day and I'm enjoying the sound of the rain and the bird calls.

One of the better decisions we took this year was to get away for a couple of days for Christmas. This gives us  a small break from domestic chores and all the work involved around Lucky. It also gives us a break from noisy neighbours who have a constant stream of visitors for Christmas.

We both love a quiet Christmas but the idea of a staycation hadn't occured to us before. Lucky is having a staycation of her own, in Pet Cafe where she is cared for so well and hangs out with other dogs.

This morning is so lovely and I cannot but be grateful for the quiet and the peace. As I was typing this, a little monkey jumped into the pool and then quickly jumped out. Then sat and stared at me for a brief second!

Christmas surprises come in all types of packages!

Over the month, Jose and I have been enjoying reading Hannah Brencher's Advent Reflections and they have really been a blessing.

These short emails helped us reflect on the miracle of Jesus' birth in a new way.

Here are some of her words that stuck with us:

If we aren't careful, we will skip right from Christmas into the New Year. We will hit December 26, set our goals, and sprint towards the new year, believing we're suddenly the people who eat kale, unplug our phones, go to the gym daily, and practice skincare routines religiously.

But I want you to pause at some point this week. Carve out a space of just 15 minutes. That's all. Set a timer, and in those 15 minutes, I want you to reflect on 2024.

That's what I am going to be doing this Christmas.

Reflecting, resting and just being me, all the while being mindful of the miracle of grace and love that Jesus is to me.

May you be blessed with peace and joy today and in the days ahead.