It's Christmas

You would think that this is the most wonderful time of the year, but over the years I have learned that that's simply not true. Christmas stirs up feelings of ghosts of Christmas past; throws financial woes right in your face; and turns a feeling of loneliness into a full-bore private black hole. I wish it wasn't so.
The shepherds that traveled to Bethlehem were lonely but they had hope in their hearts for something out there beyond what's happening here on earth.
There are signs of that everywhere. The snow, although it comes with cold and more work, is beautiful. We had two days this week that were breathtaking with hoarfrost and enough sunshine sparkle to delight.
There's posts all over Facebook and emails being exchanged about this year's winter solstice. A total lunar eclipse will occur and we will be able to see it. Of course, there's always the possibility that it will be cloudy, but won't that be grand. The shortest day of the year and an eclipse together. Who could have planned that?
If you are up before the sun, which isn't that difficult these days, Venus is brilliant in the southeast sky. Absolutely a jewel. Cold somehow makes those stars shine brighter.
My Christmas cards are going to be late this year because we just couldn't decide on a cover photo. Of course, the day after we place the order, hoarfrost galore. And, one day last week I went to the kitchen for a cup of coffee and there out the porch window was a buck. We rarely see them in the open. He wandered across the yard and me with my long lens and camera set on timer so I missed him. Bummer.
I walk to the mailbox every morning and coming around the corner scared up at least thirty pheasants, both male and female. The sounds of fluttering and rapid rising to the sky to light in tree tops out of my reach was amazing to say the least.
I know there's not exactly peace on earth. Every family has its woes, mine included. In fact, mine has been particularly full of hardship this month; but life is beyond what we see or do here. We have to have hope and faith because without that ... there is no point to life is there.
One final thought. I have been getting the yays and nays when it comes to my Kindle. An early Christmas present. HOWEVER, the first book I downloaded was the Bible. So now I have a copy with me at all times. Searchable and highlightable and postable, I'm thinking that's very cool. That book holds the promise of an earth that once was Eden and to Eden it will return. I'll get to see my grandparents again. I think of them around this time of year as I do my entire family.
So, step outdoors and take a look at the sky. There's hope in winter.