He’s Here
The icy wind whipped the trees back and forth and Laura pulled her scarf tighter around her delicate neck. Turning her head a little, she pressed into the assaulting rush of air. It wasn't her fault that she had to be out in this weather. Life had been somewhat difficult and as the days ticked on by, she found herself way behind in her to do list. "It wasn't supposed to be this way," she murmured under her breath.
Laura prided herself on being organized and she spent enormous amounts of time planning and preparing for this season every year. But this year was different. Multiple health issues had kept her from the things that gave her so much joy and now with barely days to go, Laura started worrying whether she had enough time, or energy, to accomplish the task before her.
When she had agreed to help earlier in the year, she could not have foreseen the challenges that would beset her week after week. She couldn't think about that now. The little village church was just up ahead and she simply had to keep going.
Pushing open the giant, oak door, she saw the candles flickering around the chapel. Light danced off the sparse decorations and an air of reverence clung to the morning sunlight streaming through the stained glass window before her. She paused for just a moment, latching the great door she had just come through. It was warm in the church which surprised Laura. Usually, the stark gray stone walls were cold and austere.
Laura took off her coat and gathered up the items she had carried to the church. She made her way to the front of the room and gingerly crossed the place where the altar was decorated with a fresh piece of gold cloth, the beautiful candlesticks that were only displayed on special occasions and a lovely cross, simple, yet elegant standing between them.
Laura found herself smiling as she took in the surroundings and couldn't help but recall the many times she had snuck into the church and sat alone in this very spot to worship. She paused and all at once felt a surge of warmth rise within her. He's here. She knew instantly that sensation.
Quietly she put down the things she was holding and knelt humbly on the stone steps. Without warning, she began to weep. There was no music playing, but deep in her heart a song of adoration rose to her lips. She knew the past year had been hard. Harder than she cared to admit and by putting down her bundle, it was as if she was also laying down her burden. Unsure of how much time passed, Laura just wanted to stay right where she was. Somehow, in those moments, she understood that everything was going to be ok. She looked about her and saw the bundle she had brought to the church. Carefully, she unwrapped it. The blanket revealed a small doll. Laura had been asked to provide "baby Jesus " for the manger beside the altar. It had taken her a long time to go through her children's old toy boxes but she had enjoyed the task remembering the many hours of giggles and squeals playing on the living room floor. Finally she had found the little doll. It had been well loved and although she knew it didn't resemble a Jewish doll at all, it was the best she had and in her heart she knew it would be enough. She took the toy and carefully placed it in the straw bed. Tucking strips of cloth all around him, he began to look better, his blue eyes closed and blondish hair pushed back under the ragged blanket. Glancing at the "baby", Laura chuckled. She realized that it really was that simple. Just stopping and pausing and waiting on the Lord was all it took to relieve her heart of the massive burdens she had been literally dragging around with her. Softly, she whispered a prayer of thanks and stood to put her coat on.
Suddenly she caught something sparkling out of the corner of her eye. She turned and saw the sunlight once more streaming through the colored glass right onto the little doll in the straw. A smile spread across her face and a laugh escaped from her lips. It was going to be ok. Even though many challenges lay ahead, Laura felt strengthened with hope. As she closed the church door behind her, the wind didn't seem to be quite so harsh anymore. The sky was a little bluer and her heart much lighter. No explanation needed. She had met with her love. Whatever was ahead, she would not be alone. "God's got this," she said.
