❆ Our Christmas Tree ❅

Christian, parenthood, photography, poetry 1 Minute

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Our Christmas Tree 

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Mementos upon the branches

of our Christmas tree

 ones from our newlywed days

given to you and me

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Then came the years of waiting

for more stockings to be hung

those barren nights of weeping

until God gave us a son

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Soon our son would have a brother

and a sister joined him too

memories all so precious

showcasing what God can do.

~

Wendy ❀ 2014

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Our daughter, Kara, loves decorating the house for Christmas.

She did most of the tree decorating.

I got distracted and started taking pictures of the ornaments.

(She didn’t complain, since it allowed her free creative reign.)

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Kara told me she likes our decorations

because they evoke cozy memories.

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Each year I tell her the story behind many of the decorations.

She reminds me of the stories behind the more recent additions.

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The day after putting the tree up,

our three teens sat together at the dining room table

building our family’s version of gingerbread houses.

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I marveled at how well they were getting along.

They were sincerely enjoying each others company.

I joined them and made a house too.

We laughed, chatted, and munched together.

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For the first twelve Christmases of our marriage

Ian and I were without children.

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Grief is not only experienced by parents who’ve lost a child;

it’s also experienced by couples who’ve lost the child of their dreams. 

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I never want to forget what it’s like to wait, hope, hurt, and grieve.

Yes, we have a full quiver now.

But may I always remember to show empathy

and compassion

when someone else is grieving.

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Rejoice with those who rejoice;

mourn with those who mourn.

Romans 12:15

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What are you rejoicing over this Christmas?

Gentle hugs if you mourning the loss of someone special. xo

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 Christmas Blessings ~ Wendy ❀

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Published by Wendy L. Macdonald

Living for Jesus, loving Him, and listening for His voice bring me great joy. I'm an inspirational writer, blogger, and podcaster who also loves to photograph creation. ~ My faith is not shallow because I've been rescued from the deep. ~ Blessings ~ Wendy ❀ http://www.wendylmacdonald.com

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36 thoughts on “❆ Our Christmas Tree ❅”

  3. I think back that Christmas was a good time, though always busy to the adults, but for the kids it just seemed, well, normal! None of our kids or grandkids will see our tree this year, so we trimmed it for us (nativities and angels only). That felt okay. Merry Christmas to all of you.
    Peace

    Reply

  7. I was in the middle of a nice comment when my laptop bounced me out–so I’ll just say it was lovely to visit your home at Christmas. God sometimes delays, but does not deny the desires of our heart which He Himself has put in there. God bless you and your family.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, sweet friend. I suspect that the biggest desires of our heart were planted there by Him in the first place. And He even helps us prepare the field to receive them.❀ Hugs.

      Reply

  8. Beautifully touches the heart Wendy … You have been wonderfully blessed. Your message evokes “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4

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  9. What a lovely tree Wendy! And thank you for sharing your story. Trusting in God that all will work out somehow, is the only way to go through hard times. I have learned that often! over and over. Thank you for your positive xmas pictures and compassionate thoughts.

    Reply

  12. Beautiful, Wendy. Just beautiful. I am always amazed at the traffic you receive on your blog. How can I learn from Wendy? But … I think it’s just you. Beautiful you.

    Oh, and I love that first Christmas tree ornament. I made those with felt as a child … sewed sequins on … wanted to have the girls make one this year, but I haven’t gotten around to doing that. Ugh. They are so pretty. I wish I had mine that I made as a child. 🙂

    Reply

      1. Thank you, dear Shelli. I’m so honored to receive such warm encouragement from you. And how wonderful that you have received direction. I will pray for your January engagement.

        Each evening I have been enjoying reading your book. It’s the right read at the right time. I, too, am wondering about direction. For now I’m waiting and writing and continuing to seek Christ first thing each morning. It’s my most precious time of the day.

        Shelli, continue to be you. I love who you are. ❀ And I know that the Lord loves you too.

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  13. Wendy this is what Christmas is all about, that special time together is precious and we hold on tight to it, knowing next year someone may not be there to hug. I value my family more than anything in this world and feel for those grieving at this time too. May your christmas be blessed with special new memories to treasure.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, dear Kath. I agree that “special time together is precious”. Last night we took our teens to see The Hobbit, since our love of Tolkien is something we share as a family. Let’s make memories while we can… children grow up so fast. ❀ Christmas blessings as you celebrate with your loved ones.

      Reply

      1. Wendy Hoping to take my daughter to the last instalment of the Hobbit she loves the book and has been eagerly waiting for it, but over here it does not come out until after boxing day.

        Reply

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