Our last two Christmas' (2010, 2011) have been in the northern hemisphere and I've thoroughly enjoyed the delights of a cold Christmas. While we never saw a white Christmas in Vancouver, we did enjoy a number of snowy days during our time there and generally got the feel of the wintry Christmases we hear about in carols, read in books and see in movies. They are the stuff dreams are made of (for romantics like me); such a far cry from the muggy heat of Brisbane in the peak of sub-tropical summer.
When we were in Vancouver we tried to eat locally and seasonal and to celebrate the way the locals did. Now we are back in Australia, I am more convinced than ever that I want to enjoy being here, and everything that makes this a unique part of the world - stinking hot Christmas and all!
This Christmas season, the Christ-child took on new significance for me as I reflected on the birth of my own son earlier this year. I have a new appreciation for Mary and her role in God's Plan and Story. I felt like a holy vessel, given the sacred gift of carrying a new creation, a new little life inside of me (Nikaela describes this beautifully too). How much more did Mary glow with the wonder and weight of the child she carried in her womb?! I wonder so many things; did Mary labour long? Was Jesus a colicky baby? When did he first smile a gummy grin at Joseph? When did he start to roll over? What a beautiful mystery this all is.
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