Taking Great Care

One of my very favorite Christmas songs is a children's hymn

 called When Joseph Went to Bethlehem.

This song has the most beautiful words that

 describe what gentle Joseph- Jesus's step-father might have felt 

and perhaps thought while protecting and caring for Mary

while she delivered God's son, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

"When Joseph went to Bethlehem, I think he took great care

To place his tools and close his shop and leave no shavings there.

He urged the donkey forward then, with Mary on its back,

And carried bread and goat cheese in a little linen sack. 

I think there at the busy inn that he was meek and mild. 

And awed to be the guardian of Mary’s sacred child.

Perhaps all through the chilly hours he smoothed the swaddling bands,

And Jesus felt the quiet strength of Joseph’s gentle hands.

And close beside the manger bed, he dimmed the lantern’s light

And held the little Jesus close upon that holy night."

I have NEVER sung this song without crying.

In fact, as I write this post tonight my eyes are filled with tears.

I feel so much love for this season as we celebrate 

and honor Christ and His birth.

But my eyes are also filled with tears because I have NEVER

sung this song without thinking of my own husband, Christian.

In our years of marriage I have always felt the "quiet strength"

of Christian's "gentle hands" in my life.

He protects me, honors me, and loves me unconditionally.

Today we celebrate 19 years of marriage and

for me, it has been 19 years of Christian "taking great care"

in our life and marriage together.

I love you Mr. Nielson.

Here's to many many more years together!

“How will we worship Him this season? Endlessly shopping? 
Hustling about and adorning our homes? Will that be our tribute to our Savior?
 Or will we bring peace to troubled hearts, goodwill to
 those in need of higher purpose, glory to
 God in our willingness to do His bidding?”