Monday, December 19, 2011

Let Every Heart

Joy to the world,
the Lord has come.
Let earth receive her king.
Let every heart prepare him room,
and heaven and nature sing.

I am realizing that I always thought of this lyric as my reminder to set aside the wrapping paper, shopping lists and bows, to slow down with the glitter and the ornaments, long enough to make room in my heart - for even a moment - to remember that this season is about so much more.

I know now: sadness will take up every inch it's allowed.

This Christmas could easily pass with my heart wrapped entirely in grief and gray.  As I listen to this song, it causes me to think differently.  

To make room in my sadness for joy.  
To allow my darkness to be soft enough to be aware of the light.  
To let sadness step aside sometimes.
To remember - for even a moment - that this season is about so much more than death, loss, and heartache.  

(Because I could very easily give my holiday to those three.)

May my broken heart prepare him room.


* * *


"May his light shine in our darkness and may I be ready to receive it with joy and thanksgiving." 


~ Henri Nouwen

7 comments:

Heather said...

What a simple, honest, beautiful post. Prayers for you.

Terry said...

please know dear tricia that you have been on my heart the last few weeks and even though i don't feel the deep sadness in your precious heart, i still feel sad...i cannot even say anything but i want you to have this poem that i found a few years back..

"My First Christmas in Heaven"

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights like Heaven's stars reflecting on the snow.
The light is so spectacular,please wipe away that tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here!
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring
For it's beyond description, to hear the angels sing!

I know how much you miss me,I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift,from my Heavenly home above,
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, "love's" the gift,more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important, in the story Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to you
For I can't count the blessings for love He has for you.
So have a Merry Christmas, and wipe away the tear.
Remember I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

i pray that you and your boys will have special blessings from the lord this year and that even though robb and your other two babies are at the house, you guys will surely be there in time with them and forever with the lord..love terry

ps of course it was robb's second christmas in heaven even though the poem says "first".

Noel said...

Wow. I never thought of that. I needed that today. Thank you.

mercygraceword said...

by way of Molly Piper:
http://www.youtube.com/v/6-IpcU9ZO0A?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0&start=8

a beautiful song which ties to your post

Ally said...

Tricia, I am praying for you and the boys that God will find ways of filling your lives with peace and comfort this week.

Kylea said...

Your posts make me smile... as equally as they make me cry! Your strength amazes me..even on ur "rough" days! Since I've come across ur blog there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of u and ur boys. I hope through all the sadness this season will bring you .. That you find just as much joy from those handsome boys! <3 you are in so many people's hearts and prayers!

Kerri said...

It's only broken hearts that _can_ give him room, of course, and therein lies the profound and resonant glory those angels were so vocal about. I wish this had the power to be more comforting to you, but it is what it is: He glorifies himself powerfully through your deep brokenness, precious girl. May he do the same in all of us. Love you.