Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

The Symbol of Christmas

 

Nativity-

 

Christmas traditions… mine include a Christmas tree, wheat grass, Christmas music by Raffi, setting up the nativity, chestnut soup, opening Christmas presents on the 24th… When I was a child my memories of Christmas include… popcorn balls, the hall that my Grandparents rented to host my aunts, uncles, cousins… sixty two of us, midnight mass, Santa Claus, candy canes, new clothes, polished shoes…

 

Duccio-natgall

 

I never doubted that Christmas would be wonderful. That I would have presents, that my mom would make a big dinner, that my Godparents would me spoil me, that Mass would be beautiful, that I would be happy, that angels would sing.

 

Geertgen_tot_Sint_Jans

Christmas felt holy. 

Different than any other day.

Those expectations remain, which can be daunting.

Chelsea and Sacha come home this evening for Christmas. I want them to feel, to know all those sweet meaningful, blessed memories I carry of Christmas. To have them as their own.

But I am not as selfless and giving as my family was.

 

 

Bladel

 

My faith teaches me to put Christ in front of me, Christ behind me, Christ above and below me, Christ around me…

Unfortunately, I forget to follow his lead, which means I spend a great amount of time slipping up.

 

Tobias_and_angel

 

I am not talking about Catholic guilt. No, I am talking about wanting to be a better person, knowing I can be, having plenty of good examples of generosity of heart, kindness without expectations, unconditional love given… yet somehow I blunder admist it all!

 

 

Eyck_Ghent_Singing Angels

 

Often I think I am the black sheep when it comes to surrendering my childish ways.

 

 

Nativity art

 

The symbols of Christmas remind me to listen, take heart, surrender, become, light the extra candle of goodness that is within me, to let the Christ child live within the manger of my soul and become pure love.

 

 

 

 

Notes:

 

Art, history, prayer wrapped in one.

Photo source "antique artwork/nativity" Google.

Comments

30 responses to “The Symbol of Christmas”

  1. Annie F

    How have you snuck in and read my mind? I was having these same thoughts – trying to force myself to remember all that I have to be grateful for and to be thankful for what I have and not what I didn’t get – my family, my friends, my health, beautiful things all around me and most importantly my sense of self. Thank you for so humbly putting into words just what I needed to hear. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Reply
  2. kathleen (OR)

    Hi Corey,
    From what I can tell, you are extremely generous and kind.
    You share so openly your life/family on your blog, and have opened your home, and acted as tour guide, to countless new friends. It also seems you are frequently helping your neighbors. Not sure why you are discouraged, maybe having your kids home for Christmas will set your world right side up again. Mine are both home from college now and every day seems a little brighter. This empty nest thing is crazy, I new it was coming, I prepared for it and yet still I wasn’t ready at all.

    Reply
  3. annie

    Merry Christmas, Corey. Hold on to the meaning, as you have here, and goodness will always be yours. We were put here to strive towards God’s perfection and your road is well-paved.

    Reply
  4. Laurie Hodson

    Oh Corey,
    You’ve done it again! How often I feel this same way. From all the years I’ve been reading your blog I always come away with the thought that I would love to see life as you do. To react as you do and to be able to express everything as you do. You are a treasure to those of us who follow you. I know that God placed you right where you are for His specific purposes and one of those is to impact how I see all of His creation. Have a wonderful Christmas with your precious family.

    Reply
  5. Ann

    Pure love is a process which takes a lifetime to work towards. Can’t go wrong if you reflect on the fruits of the Spirit:
    -Love
    -Joy
    -Peace
    -Patience
    -Kindness
    -Faithfulness
    -Humility
    -Self-Control.
    This year has been different for me since a very good friend is seriously ill with stage 4 cancer. I cried when I got their Christmas card since he isn’t expected to make it through Christmas. Then I prayed and got the courage to visit and say my goodbye’s. I baked them cookies and took a cheerful plant, and some other food. We had a very wonderful visit and I was blessed by it. As I was driving back I thought I’m happiest when I reach out to people. I have had some really good friends over the years that have blessed me with their friendship. I am now trying very hard not to take their gift of friendship for granted.
    Peace and Joy this Christmas.

    Reply
  6. Merisi in Vienna

    Let me give you one big warm hug and tell you that you are the most generous person around. Much love,
    Merisi

    Reply
  7. Jeannie

    I think you are being a little hard on yourself, Corey. You are so generous and open hearted. I think we all slip a bit during the year and Christmas reminds us of the things we learned as a child – being kind to others and to put God before ourselves. We all need a little reminder once in a while. Wishing you a happy Solstice!

    Reply
  8. Massilianana

    Corey,
    I think you are perfectly kind generous open hearted open minded and if childish, it simply proves that you are curious of life which is a wonderful gift !
    Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas !

    Reply
  9. g

    VERY TOUCHED BY THIS-so much beauty even in the saddest of times…lucky you are to see and bear witness to in the present rather than hind sight -that is a gift-PEACE BE WITH YOU ANN and to your friends also-i will also remember them in my prayers this holy season-

    Reply
  10. g

    corey you could have been talking about me in this post-i take some comfort knowing one of my favorite saints carried the same sort of character traits[flaws ;0]-St. Theresa of the Child Jesus-she worked very hard in her short life to overcome them and yet i cannot help but think GOD delighted in her as she was-HE created her and I agree with another comment you give so freely of yourself EVERYDAY and that is SO PRECIOUS a gift i for one cherish -so in short the way we see ourselves is not always as others see us- MERRY CHRISTMAS sweet Corey-Peace be with you and all whom you love and may the BABY WHO WAS GIVEN TO US bless you this day and everyday-

    Reply
  11. Barbara Snow

    We are all of us flawed from the get-go, and therein lies our beauty. Each one of us as unique as a Giotto angel. And you, Corey, are one of His brightest.
    Barb in Minnesota

    Reply
  12. Chris Wittmann

    Annie said it best Corey, none of us are perfect but as long as we strive to be better how can we fail? My family too would open presents on Christmas eve, an old German tradition my mother brought with her, so I still do the same. This Christmas will be very laid back as we’ve both been so sick. The important thing is remembering the true meaning of Christmas, as you have done so eloquently.

    Reply
  13. Momof5

    It’s hard to be an adult and also let go of expectations. You are a guiding light for so many of us.

    Reply
  14. Diogenes

    Dear Corey,
    You are one of the most generous people I know, opening your heart and thoughts to your readers everyday on your blog. And I hope you never lose your inner child. That kid sure was a lot of fun when I met her in Los Angeles.

    Reply
  15. g

    how is wilbur force doing-sorry to hear you are sick-we have added another to our home last thing i needed but well here we are-Merry Christmas
    to you and all the 4 legged loves

    Reply
  16. Fran

    What music of Raffi’s do you listen to? We love Raffi.. and what is the wheatgrass for?
    i love your imagery of the “manger of the soul”. What a beautiful thought. God’s peace be with you and yours this Christmas.

    Reply
  17. TEXAS FRANCOPHILE

    Ann did say it best. It’s not about us but those whose lives we’ve touched.
    Peace, joy, friendships, and greatfulness.
    Christmas Eve consists of gumbo, church, and home to open 1 gift.

    Reply
  18. An Enchanted Cottage

    Corey, this is so beautifully written. I have been feeling the exact same way, especially tonight as it is the anniversary of my mom passing away, and also after having lost my dad last year. I was just thinking about them and praying and asking them to give me the patience that they had. I don’t think I will ever measure up to how wonderful they were. They were such wonderful examples, too, and I fall so short. I cannot believe those were my thoughts just before coming to visit your blog.
    But you, on the other hand, dear Corey… I can’t imagine you having any guilt. You are the most loving, kind, generous, selfless person. Love and goodness exude from you and it is so very clear to everyone who knows you and certainly to everyone who reads your blog.
    I’m wishing you and yours the most Merry Christmas, Corey.
    All my best,
    Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage

    Reply
  19. carol

    You represent our thoughts so well. I, like your other readers who have left comments, also feel that you have once more represented my own feelings so well. God is working through you, Corey. I do not feel that you are discouraged, but honest, although I see you as someone I would like to be as good as. You inspire me to focus on what is good in life and to try to always have love as a guiding light. Love pervades every word you write and annie is correct; your road is well-paved.
    much love to you at Christmas and always,
    carol

    Reply
  20. 24/7 in France

    The holidays brings to mind cherished memories from our childhood, each being a seed from which “grow” our family values, inner peace, empathy, and love. May you and your family continue to “bloom”!

    Reply
  21. Tongue in Cheek

    In France, in the beginning of Dec. wheat grains are placed on cotton, watered and left to sprout, for the nativity scene, and also a sign of new life.
    Raffi’s Christmas Songs for Children.

    Reply
  22. Ana

    Dearest Corey, in all the years that I have been reading your blog , you have always written words just when I needed them the most. This post is no exception. I have often said that you do not realise the power of your words. Your soul shines brightly for everyone-else to see and your humility hides it from you. Corey you are a mirror that we all gaze into which shows us how we should be and reminds us why we are on this earth. Pictures show us how the world sees us, you give us both everyday, you are an earthly compass for the human soul. We are all on a Journey and we all need a map, thank you for providing me with mine and steering me in the right direction each time I stray from the path.
    Angels, Messengers, Guides from God, you have been blessed to be all three.
    You are blessed with Love, Peace and Joy in abundance. this christmas. My wish for you is the gift of inner vision, so that you can experience all that you give us every time you post.
    Love,
    Ana

    Reply
  23. carol

    So beautifully stated, Ana.

    Reply
  24. SusieQ

    Corey, do not be too hard on yourself. Remember, we ALL fall short. We are all LESS than we should be. Ahh, but His grace is sufficient. His glorious grace. May His light and love dwell in each of us a bit more each day of the coming year. Blessings to you and French husband and the kids as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

    Reply
  25. peggy braswell

    I believe we are all exactly where we are suppose to be-and that is perfect! Merry Christmas to you & your family. Love this post!
    xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

    Reply
  26. Jenna

    I am striving to be the person I know I can be as well.

    Reply
  27. g

    i agree-wonderfully beautifully said!!!

    Reply
  28. Debra

    C – I could never leave a comment as well said as Ana above. Thank you for your reminder, such a beautifully laid out post. I cut & pasted the key words & photos and hung it up as part of our decorations. You are such an inspiration. xoxo

    Reply
  29. mundenliana@hotmail.com

    Wow! I feel exactly the same way. So well put and uplifting to Hear from kindred spirits
    Warm aloha,
    Liana

    Reply
  30. Laura

    Dear Corey – you have plenty of excellent comments here and I can’t add more. But do remember, we need Christmas and Easter to remind us that, indeed, we are not perfect and are not expected to be perfect. His grace is sufficient. Just keep asking for it.
    (I do it all the time)
    Merry Christmas!!!

    Reply

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