how the light gets in

by Andrea Smithberger
how the light gets in
  • November 1: Honoring
  • Day 2: Signaling
  • Day 3: Revealing
  • DAY 4: Reminding
  • Day 5: Reflecting
  • Day 6: Changing
  • Day 7: Surrounding
  • Day 8: Healing
  • Day 9: Filtering
  • Day 10: Spreading
  • Day 11: Unveiling
  • Day 12: Distinguishing
  • Day 13: Challenging
  • Day 14: Nourishing
  • Day 15: Unassuming
  • Day 16: Leading
  • Day 17: Delighting
  • Day 18: Reaching
  • Day 19: Shining
  • Day 20: Reviving
  • Day 21: Growing
  • Day 22: Comforting
  • Day 23: Holding Space
  • Day 24: Beckoning
  • Day 25: Stunning
  • Day 26: Igniting
  • Day 28: Introducing
  • November 2020
  • Tag: BOTH/AND

    • Mixed Bag Christmas

      Posted at 11:37 am by How the Light Gets In, on December 25, 2022

      There’s a lump in my throat this Christmas.

      Not sure if I want to cry or smile. (I began listing all my reasons here but they’re mine to hold and release.) Here’s an example: the traditional Christmas “monkey bread” was on the table before the kids came down to open gifts and THAT made me mad and tear up… This woman is triggered. It’s just that I’m ALWAYS rushed to make it because they’re ALWAYS down here way too early to open gifts and I’m fighting them back. Not this year. Is that what it is? The always are always changing.

      I have been trying to swallow the whatever it is stuck in my throat. But, I’m realizing Christmas is a BOTH/AND kind of season. Know what I mean? 

      I’m trying something different. This year, I’m not forcing the sad away by wrapping it in big bows or hushing it with loud carols or decorating it into oblivion. 

      Instead, I’m asking myself “why” & waiting gently for the answer… 

      And the answers, big and small, come in waves.

      Some reasons I have control over, some I don’t. And that’s ok.

      Either way, I’m here for it all and I’m grateful.

      On Winter Solstice, I read a quote saying something like you can’t rush the night but you can light candles. And, I double-tapped, even shared the words. 

      But, at this moment, the peak of this season of Wait & Wonder; I’m reminded of how the 3 Kings didn’t rush the night after night of their journey to find Jesus.  

      More of the BOTH/AND here…

      They followed BOTH their calculations based on ancient prophecies AND the stars in the sky to guide their way. 

      I guess what I’m trying to say is if you’re feeling both sad and merry; it’s ok.

      There is still light to be found. 

      If you find yourself unable to “light the candles,” then look to the stars. 

      God placed them in the sky, knows them by name to call out yours. 

      A both powerful and tender declaration like “The Lord had His heart set on you and chose you.” from Deuteronomy 7:7 comforts my mixed bag heart.

      God is a BOTH/AND kind of God. He BOTH knows the hurt on your heart AND wants to comfort you, through candles or stars (or both).

      Again, there is light to be found.

      If you find yourself unable to “light the candles,” then look to the stars.

      Merry Christmas.

      Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged BOTH/AND, Candle, Christmas, How the Light Gets In, Jesus, Stars

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