The Pyle family had a wonderful Christmas, but as you can imagine, there were three very good reasons why it felt incomplete. This time last year we had no idea that we would have a missing part to our family, but each and everyone of us felt it this year. We had three candles with pictures of each child on them that we lit on Christmas Eve as we prayed for Sam, Betty and Fallah in faith that next year they will be present in our home. Malachi, Mckenna and Mackaden all received necklaces with Sam, Betty and Fallah's pictures on it which was a huge hit for them. I am very happy to report that the kids had a very blessed Christmas feast at The Covering which even ended with a rented TV for a movie and popcorn. It just warmed my heart to know they were happy on such a special day. Thank you Jesus for all of our gifts, but this year, I am extra thankful for the joy You brought to my kids in Sierra Leone. Please visit www.therainingseason.org to see some pictures of their Christmas party this year.
At the beginning of the Christmas week, just as things start to get "real" busy with baking cookies, wrapping gifts, and coordinating the different parties for the week, I found myself quite stressed. I have felt "Christmas stress" before and this was different. It was a mix of emotions that I was unable to place as familiar. I spent some time just asking God what He wanted me to get out of this Christmas season. I never want to miss what God has for me and especially during the years of having such young children in the home (which I have been told goes by way too quickly). I got an immediate response which was "I want you to hear the silence of the stable at My birth". I thought how is that possible during such a busy and hectic time? I think that is exactly what He was saying. As I began to think about the silence that must have been at the birth of Jesus, I imagined the animals slowly walking on the hay with the slight wind just outside and all of a sudden I began to feel the peace of that Christmas day. How very different than anything I have ever experienced at Christmas in this day and age. We did our very best to have a very low-key Christmas (honestly, slower than any Christmas I can remember) and I believe God is preparing us for the gifts we will soon receive. Christmas has never been about "stress" and how many parties can you possible fit into one weekend, but the love sent to earth on that very special day. You all know the story so I will leave it at that, but as I recall the Christmas of 2009, I will remember it as the silence of the stable.
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