As soon as the turkey leftovers from my 2023 Thanksgiving feast were stuffed away, I put my feet up and watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” I know this is a show for kids but it is a part of my well-being during the holidays. I plan to never ever grow up. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!
“Linus and Lucy,” the piano instrumental jazz theme tune by Vince Guaraldi, makes me do a happy dance. Sally’s tendencies to procrastinate, how she is inquisitive and wants an answer for everything and how she cares deeply for her loved ones reminds me of myself. I also can relate to the personality of ole’ Chuck, Sally’s brother, in the sense that he wears his heart on his sleeve and he never gives up, even when he probably should.
Linus telling his friends what Christmas is all about by reciting the account of the Christmas story from Luke’s gospel is my favorite part.
So while the sounds of jingle bells and the words of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” was ringing in my ears, I got busy.
The stockings were hung with care in hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be here. Adorned with silver and gold, twinkling lights, holly berries and sentimental ornaments the branches of my little tree did look oh, so lovely.
I went shopping for gifts to share with the ones I love, wrapped them with pretty paper and ribbons of blue and tucked them beneath the tree. Twas’ four weeks before the most wonderful time of the year, all through my house it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Pondering ways to adorn my table for festivities I stole ideas from Pinterest. I planned a menu of savory foods for feasting and decadent desserts that would for sure please any palate. I envisioned my family gathered together around the table, simply having a wonderful Christmastime.
There are things in life that cannot be scheduled, are completely unexpected and most certainly out of one’s control. Tanner and Catherine were expecting their first baby this year. Catherine was doing great, her baby was growing right on schedule and all seemed to be going well.
Tuesday, Dec. 5, life-threatening complications for Catherine and her baby warranted urgent medical attention. Catherine was admitted to the hospital for the duration of the pregnancy. Overwhelmed and uncertain about the future, Tanner and Catherine settled in with the promise and assurance that God would provide strength in the midst of adversity.
Thursday, Dec. 7, Robin and I traveled together to visit Tanner and Catherine at the hospital. It was a good day considering the dire circumstances. We talked of ways that would help keep the holidays merry and bright for everyone.
Around 4:30 pm, Robin and I put our coats on and were about to leave the room. I paused and said, “Let’s pray.” Joining hands and hearts, I asked God to “Please provide divine wisdom to the doctor for knowing when the baby needs to be delivered.”
It was during that prayer the doctor entered the room and informed Catherine and Tanner that she wanted to do another ultrasound to assess the current health of the baby. After several minutes, she did not hesitate in telling them “This baby needs to be delivered. Now.” The doctor quickly left the room and preparations began for immediate delivery.
I looked at Robin and said, “Well, I guess I should have told God that I didn’t mean right now.”
Please do not judge me as a chuckle helped the situation, momentarily. We left the room and notified family members and then all we could do was pray, hope, wait. Both of our families rallied together to pray, hope, wait.
Around 6:15 pm a nurse came in and told us the baby had been delivered. Robin and I were escorted down a hall to the room where Catherine was recovering and being monitored. Upon entering the room Catherine looked at us and said, “He’s so tiny!”
Those words were music to our ears!
Jacob Emmanuel weighed 2 lbs, 9 ounces and was 12 inches long. Thus began his life in the neonatal intensive care unit of Carilion-Roanoke Memorial hospital for the next 57 days.
Praying, hoping, waiting, the day finally arrived - Friday, Feb. 2, “Jake” joined his dad and mom at home, sweet home.
God provided Catherine and Tanner with divine stamina needed for challenging exhausting days and nights. They both put one foot in front of the other with such poise and grace, never wavering in their faith in God.
Jake continues to thrive as he now weighs over 20 pounds. He is cute as a button with his big blue eyes, blonde hair and contagious smile.
Tearful, emotional and uncertain circumstances are difficult to navigate. For me, rather than despair, they cause me to trust God more fully and the deeper my awareness becomes that God is indeed, sovereign over all.
Although my family was not able to gather around my table or tree last year, I know that Christmas is so much more. The Word of God tells me (you) what Christmas is all about.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:11-14 KJV).”
That’s what Christmas is all about! The yuletide season is a glorious celebration that beacons with the promise of hope.
“All that is within me cries
For you alone be glorified
Emmanuel
God with us.”
Saturday, Dec. 7, my family will gather to celebrate a birthday! Oh, what fun it is to be one! Happy birthday, Jake!
If the Lord wills, the Seay’s and Hannah’s will be rockin’ around a Christmas tree this year!
Have a happy holiday!
Thanks so very much to everyone that has prayed for our family - especially for Jake. We are so very grateful. Merry Christmas!
Thanks to Del-Licious Treats for making Jake's birthday cake! deloriseboateng@gmail.com
Blessings
Great post, praise God for how he worked in your family. I know you have a lot to be thankful for.