9 Comments
User's avatar
Beka McDowell's avatar

Oh Shawn. This is beautiful. And aching. And Christmas.

Two of my favorite Christmas songs have this ache about them. It’s probably why they are my favorites, if I’m honest. I love “Oh Holy Night” and “a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” And I also love “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and its “Someday soon we all will be together, if the fates allow. Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow.” We’re all muddling together. And Maile is tucked in my heart as she muddles through this year. ❤️

Expand full comment
Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks so much, Beka.

Expand full comment
Margie Perella's avatar

Oh, Shawn….this Christmas will be poignant, especially for Maile. I lost my father shortly before Christmasin 1973 when I was at home with a 2 yr old and a two week old newborn. 30 years later, my mother died on Christmas night.

At her memorial service, 3 days after Christmas, the pastor closed his message with the third verse of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing “

Mild he lays His glory by Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth!

May this comfort Maile and you as it did me

A blessed Christmas to you❤️

Expand full comment
Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks so much, Margie.

Expand full comment
Mary Ryherd's avatar

Beautifully said. In the busyness of the season let us not forget those who are grieving. Those who have a new hole and in their hearts or a long standing ache for a loved one. Keep whispering in our ears, Linus❤️

Expand full comment
Krista Drechsel's avatar

This is the first thing I read this morning and now I have tears in my eyes. Thank you for this. It's beautiful and real.

Expand full comment
Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Krista.

Expand full comment
Teyani Whitman's avatar

Intensely beautiful…..

Brings to mind the carol

… In the bleak midwinter

Frosty wind made moan

Earth stood hard as iron

Water like a stone

Snow had fallen

Snow on snow, snow on snow

In the bleak midwinter, long, long ago

It has always been one of my favorites. The deep contrast from the frozen snow to a child giving him his heart is real.

Expand full comment
MJ Lau's avatar

Your writing always warms my soul, especially during these bitterly cold, dark-too-soon days. Thank you for keeping the fire lit.

Expand full comment