Today was Christmas Pageant day at Richfield UMC.  We had dozens of children help lead worship along with fabulous choral music, organ and piano soundings, and carrot cake cupcakes.  Our second service featured music that went into our hearts.  A young woman whom I have known since before she was born shared “Breath of Heaven” and my heart near melted with the wonder of her beauty and the message she shared.  The song narrates Mary’s questions and wonderings when she is told she is to bear new life.  Kayla sang it with her whole self.

I was able to visit one of our home bound members and share communion with him and his beloveds.  The communion set I used was one used by a beloved clergy friend who died a year-plus ago.  Loren was in the room with us as we remembered feasts shared by loving hearts throughout the ages.

And then, I baked cookies with my eldest daughter who didn’t correct me too many times.      Leah has become a wonder baker.  She long ago left her mother in the dust.  She was kind.

My tree is up.  It has no lights, but it is up.  I have many things to do.

But for now, for now I just want to let my heart slurp gratitude.  On this day, I believe the proclamation of the angel sung so long ago to a wildly courageous young Mary:  “With God, nothing is impossible.”

The song of the angel sings yet.  Children shine, communities gather, sweet smells waft, tables of grace are set and shared, and space to let gratitude be is now.