Tag: Christmas

slow motion mending

sometimes i need to find
the time and silence
to unwind these coils of lies
these shackles of shame
and the commotion in my soul
so i sit in slow motion
while i name each derision
and consciously make the decision
to breathe in the Light of the World
and exhale all these false tales
that shield my heart
from receiving
the love on the Cross
He is bleeding
for me
losing His life
to save my own
taking my sin
calling it His own
this Christmas child
a King has come
to reign through love
and set me free
from the insanity
of my own making
so like these winter trees
i’ll surrender the leaves
those colors were so nice
but it’s just a show so i’ll let them go
and die
to what i think i know will set me free
and stay here in the mystery
of winter’s necessary death
it won’t last long
so with each breath
i’ll wait and sing a song
to the Christmas King
as He works in my soul
and rights all wrongs
He is my healer
my story writer
and life giver
i’ll wait
while He does
some slow motion mending
old things must have an ending
to make room for the new

His Light is near

this Christmas
may your soul shine
as you take time
to reflect on God above
and love your family
and see your story
is from His hand
of love

for you are here
and His Light is near
so lay those burdens down
this tiny Child
is here for you
so put away the frowns
and rest in His light
rest in His peace
rest in His joy
may you be free
and not anxious
for you are precious
for you are here
and His Light is near
for you are loved
from above
He came
to be
with
you

cloudy christmas days

here’s to
cloudy christmas days
and windy songs
weaving through
the barren trees
can’t sing along
with the howling melodies
i’d rather stay
and be in this
cloudy christmas day

here’s to
cloudy christmas days
you see there’s loss
and grief
a friend in need
the clouds
are all around him now
nothing makes much sense
anyhow
except this
cloudy christmas day

here’s to
cloudy christmas days
when the dark tree
seems to be
the proper choice
i need to give voice
to loss
to mystery
and the agony
that stings a bit more
you never know
what’s in store
on a cloudy
christmas day

so i’ll just feel
this cloudy christmas day
the tears say
it’s ok
i know Eternal Love
has come
and Peace
and Light
i am trusting
through my tears
in the Way
the Truth
the Life
on this
cloudy christmas day

and can it be

and can it be
you came for me
a withered soul
so tired so cold

and can it be
surrendered glory
for this heart of pride
all the shame inside

o withered soul
lift up your voice
o withered soul
cry out rejoice
your light has come
your peace is near
Immanuel is here

and can it be
once blind i see
forgiven free
You died for me

and can it be
new life is mine
and for all time
not just a while
i'll sing and shine
i am your child

this withered soul
now your son
your own
and can
it
be

and so it begins

Traditionally, the family Christmas tree is set up the day after Thanksgiving, accompanied by a massive Christmas playlist. This year, with our kids gone to see in-laws, one living far away, and and one visiting his girlfriend’s families, it got done a day early. However, the one tradition that will happen today is that moment when all the day’s work is done (outside lights today), and we sit on the couch, turn off all the lights so that only the warm glow of the tree washes over us, and listen to Silent Night ( https://youtu.be/hTSkS0Abas4 ) by Mannheim Steamroller, arguably, the finest arrangement of that beloved hymn. May this season be filled with light and peace for you and yours.

it’s the most wonderful time of the year

It really is!

grace and peace

To my WordPress family: we celebrate Christmas in the Garcia home. Whatever expression of faith you hold dear, may you and those you love and care for know grace and peace.

Christmas 2016

xmas-tree-2016

It’s not officially Christmas in our household until the tree is up, so, here it is: The Garcia Family Tree 2016. Our tradition is to put up the tree while listening to the best Christmas playlist ever including The Carpenters, Future of Forestry, Sleeping at Last and Mannheim Steamroller, to name a few. I leave you with a post from my personal Facebook page that I wrote following our election here in the states. It’s kinda what I’m working on this year: Today I have an opportunity to love… I have another day to love!! …to love my wife, my children, my grandchildren and my neighbor – across the street and around the world. Today I have an opportunity to, deep down in my heart, change my attitude, and remember that the darkness in my heart needs redemption. Today I have an opportunity to be… to be the love, to be the change, to be the joy, to be the light…that I want to see in the world. That’s on me… whoever the president, king, queen, or, ruler is here or around the world….that’s on me…

mission accomplished

mission accomplished

The day after Thanksgiving is the traditional day that the Garcia family gets the Christmas tree up and begins the decorating joy! Mission accomplished on the tree, but the rain has left our house without Christmas lights. Hopefully this week! With three of our four children married it was a bit quieter, but I am SO EXCITED for my favorite time of the year! What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

merry christmas

merry christmas 2014