...and lo...

It's late and I'm still at the office trying to settle some things inside myself. The kind of stuff that I need to settle so I can be free to focus on the needs at hand, and the situations that each day brings.

I've been trying to help some people recently, and though they are hurting and in need of care, they reject it and push back. Instead of me being of any assistance to them, I end up more like them inside, and I really don't want that at all. So I'm here praying it through, trying to guard my heart so that bitterness doesn't take root. At least there is grace enough on me to see that I am becoming hard. That is a good thing.

Only six sleeps left before I get that shiny new one slice toaster, or whatever it will be. And tonight for whatever reasons, the words of Linus are ringing through me.

Well, they're the words of St. Luke as told by Linus, but you get my drift.

So maybe as I close this part of my day I'll leave them with you, kind of as a reminder. Remember what this season is all about, and try to rest in that knowledge just a bit tonight.

Nite.

---

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David, To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.