Today is Tuesday, December 13th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2212

Something shared with me by Pat O'Brien; written and forwarded by the President of Central College In Pella, Iowa:
 

A Quiet Christmas Visit

Christmas is a time for visiting. The Scriptures detail a series of visits that tell the story of ordinary days made extraordinary by the presence of God. Visits from angels bringing startling news and yet comfort as fear is dispelled. Visits to friends and family seeking companionship and acceptance in place of scorn and rejection. Visits of worshippers humbled by the unmistakable power of God to enter in human history with hope for those in need.

As I think back to my childhood, I have a fond memory of visiting. But I never knew her full name. She was just "Grandma Van." From time to time, my Mom would tell me we were visiting Grandma Van as we were running a few errands. She lived in the next town, but not a great distance away. Her home was on a hillside in a neighborhood of modest homes. The house was small and charming-an off-white color with little to distinguish it from others in the area.

Entering her home was like taking a trip into the past. The setting was plain, but arranged in a welcoming fashion as if eager to greet visitors with stories of a life rich with experience and warmed by friendship. Refreshment was always offered, easing conversation as generations far apart would be bridged by a shared interest in the quietness of a moment. It was the simplicity of the visit that made it so appealing.

The Christmas season made this experience special as my assignment was to deliver to Grandma Van a small gift for the holidays. In return, hand-knitted mittens were the reward for a young man willing to do one thing:  spend time. She always made me laugh with stories of her childhood. Invariably the realities of age would come sweeping back as she would say, "All my get-up-and-go got-up-and-went!" In the end, the gift for me was the visit itself. I always felt at peace in her home.

The first visits of Christmas did not occur when it was convenient and carefully planned on a calendar. They were not arranged at times of stillness. The motion of life did not give way to accommodate a heavenly agenda. Yet in the midst of turmoil and confusion, love broke through and ushered peace into the hearts of those who would hear the quiet voice of God speaking words of hope.

We need to be visited today with a renewed hope for tomorrow. As it was for the prophet long ago, there is a voice calling in the wilderness of our lives saying "prepare the way of the Lord." The task for us is to have the grace to receive and welcome one who sometimes seems so distant, but has found a home in our hearts.

Mark L. Putnam

 

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