God bless us, everyone!
Thus far, Christmas has been a success on all fronts.
Since Karen and I got engaged, my family (Mom & Garrett specifically) seem to have pretty much gotten comfortable with the way I'm living my life. Which is excellent. I'm totally happy, and according to a number of people I've seen since arriving in Franklin, it's very obvious. I think Mom probably sees that too, and that's helped her get over her hang-ups. Also the fact that her friends and acquaintances in F-town have been very--surprisingly--supportive. As Dad told me, "When we tell people, the only thing they've asked is, 'So do you like her?'" It just goes to show that people will always surprise you.
The annual Christmas Eve gathering at our house last night was a load of fun. Petra and Andy are married now, Amy and Mary both had their boyfriends in tow (Amy's boyfriend especially is a delight; I really liked talking to him!) and it is very clear that the dynamic in our families has shifted and we're now "grown-ups." I really hope that Karen and I will be able to come together next year.
We went to Midnight Mass last night, and it was really great. I love the service, and revelled in how universal the promise of joy and peace at Christmas really is. It's a time when Christianity is stripped down to its essentials, to Jesus and the message of unconditional love that he brought. The choir sang "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" and I think it's become my new favorite carol:
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head
'There is no peace on earth,' I said,
'For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.'
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.'
Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
It's just so poignant. **warm fuzzies**
Merry Christmas, kiddos. :)