God's Caress

Merry Christmas, Laura!

Huge snowflakes floated and flipped and twirled effortlessly around the headlights! What a perfect night to experience another spectacular Christmas concert at FIRST CHURCH!

As advised, we arrived early. And  as usual, the sanctuary and balcony were already filled. Packed to the rafters! Three consecutive nights ... how divine! 

Invigorated by the brisk walk from the parking lot, Gary, Laura and I climbed the stairs to the balcony, all the way up to the roof! We felt fortunate to find three seats together on the isle where Gary could easily slip out if Emily needed to leave.

Little Miss Emily, six months old, sat on my lap quietly fascinated by the flurry of activity and cheerful

Christmas Greetings!

 Lights!

 Music!

Then a hush fell over the crowd. The music pastor took her place on the stand. The house lights dimmed. The soft hum of the orchestra gradually grew jubilant!

Boisterous!

 Joyful!

Much too joyful for Miss Emily!    Arms flailing frantically, she turned and grabbed her mother. Laura cradled her closely, protecting her little ears.  Miss Emily relaxed, feeling safe in Mother's arms. Preferring quiet music, like Silent Night and other  whispering songs when she's sleepy, who would have dreamed Miss Emily would  drift off into slumberland to Bach's resounding Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.........!

We were  touched and filled with Hope by the  presentation  about heaven! Ever so naturally, Laura slipped her free arm around my shoulders --

Without a word,

Without a glance,

just a tiny patty-pat.  Within the comforting fold of her arm,  I grasped her unspoken message  and held it close: "Mom, I know you miss Dad more during the festive Christmas season."

Suddenly it seemed as though our roles were reversed.

Momentarily

Magically

daughter became the mother embracing the child. This loving gesture -- surely a

  God-Caress!

spoke volumes to my mothering soul, warming my heart and blurring my vision! 

Here at Christmastime, and at all times, I thank my God for his Son -- and  my daughter! And I continually pray this little blessing over her,  just as my mother so long ago asked God to bless me... and he has indeed!

Honey, may your daughter forever be

 the same beautiful blessing to you

 that you have always been to me!

Amen.

And now, to every person at FIRST CHURCH who had a part in making this fantastic Christmas production a delight to the spirit and an honor to our Savior (especially my dearest friends, Betty and Jack, who have for many years assumed huge responsibilities in this labor of love),  I wish for you -- God's Caress!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

~ By Mary Beatty 12.10.05