A very real Christmas

​I got up early as usual when the Bonnie alarm clock went off, wanting her breakfast. After tending to the dogs, I curled up in my robe and a blanket to enjoy a hot cup of tea, acoustic Christmas music and the twinkling lights of the tree reflected against the windowpane, where rain fell softly outside. The dogs had climbed up to cuddle with me on the couch and it was a cozy, peaceful moment as I contemplated the Incarnation.
​
Then Buster, restless, hops off the couch and starts gagging. I couldn’t extricate myself from Bonnie and the blanket quickly enough to get him outside, and he expels most of his breakfast right there on the carpet. Horrified, I run to grab a rag and cleaning supplies. When I come back, Bonnie has already been at the surprise treat. “#$&*@$~ Bonnie!” I yell, flinging her aside so I could clean it up. And I can hardly do it because I’m laughing so hard. And I'm pretty sure Jesus is laughing with me.
​
It was classic: the intersection of the heavenly and human in all its messed-up glory. Holy moments juxtaposed with the most earthy and unscripted ones. Like the first Christmas, where the Divine entered the world in a stable reeking with animal dung.
Here's to a day full of joy, in all its abundant imperfection!