“My Soul Magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is [H]is name.” —Luke 1:46-49, N.R.S.V.
I Dreamed a Dream
I woke up Christmas Eve morning dreaming of forgiveness and redemption.
In the dream, there was a song. I don’t remember the song exactly, but I understood it was a song of forgiveness and redemption. In the dream, the song was for a man responsible for the death of a child.
As I reflected I thought of two things. One, C.S. Lewis’ Aslan singing a song of creation and life at the beginning of Narnia. Two, a common theme throughout the Bible: all things made new.
Isaiah 43:18-19 is but one example.
“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Further Reflections
How beautiful it was to wake up to this on Christmas Eve. For me, it was a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas, and it was one I sorely needed.
I have been so stressed out the last few weeks trying to get all the right presents, wondering whether I’d get the ever elusive package on time, worrying whether I would get everything done (spoiler alert: I did!). In the end, all of this pales in comparison to the real reason for the season. In short, God’s Love.
For, “God so loved the world” that he He chose to come as an infant, a small, wonderful seed that would drastically change the course of human history and change millions upon millions of lives. With Him, He brought the promise of redemption for all.
I say this with the conviction of someone who has witnessed the fruits of that promise. In fact, I am a grateful beneficiary.
Christmas Day Gratitude List
So, this Christmas Day, first and foremost, I am grateful for the grace I have been given and continue to receive—I wouldn’t be here without it; for St. Nicholas, whose reflection of God’s Love and Generosity inspired the beautiful tradition we carry on today; and for the opportunity to share that same tradition with my beloved family.
“And, so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every One!”
With love, peace, blessings, and gratitude,
Vanessa Glushefski
