Okay, she's not a puppy, but she is warm. Abby is snuggled up next to me on my sofa. I realize that many people frown upon animals who sit where people sit, but I don't think there's anything more soothing than petting a furry head. Zac - the older one - is sleeping on his bed near the hearth. His days of sofa are long gone and we both know that if he sees another Christmas it will be a miracle. Christmas is constant; so is the cycle of life.
It's never easy to celebrate the holidays when you are aware of who isn't there. This year, we miss our Val - the sheltie who came with Zac, but left us in September. Other years it's been a grandparent or a parent or a sibling. Future years will be the same. Christmas is constant; so is the cycle of life.
The hope that comes with the Word made flesh is constant. When emotions betray me, I close my eyes and go to the manger. Jesus cries, just like me. I pick up this small child and hold him to my heart and we comfort each other.
When I open my eyes again, Abby looks at me like she understands. God was present in the manger. You have to wonder if 'dog' was too.
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