If you have read this blog for a couple of years, you may remember my small yet profound encounter with a gentleman who was deaf and homeless. I think of him each year at this time and pray he is safe. We’re all fighting battles. And we’re all just muddling through, aren’t we? Whether yours is health-related, economical or relational, it can be difficult to move through problems and remain hopeful. Beggars & Holy Nights recalls an experience where a most ordinary connection with a stranger in distress led to a blessed flow of mercy.
That flow somehow keeps flowing.
The thing about mystery is I am mostly in love with it, in awe of it, and reverent toward it. But with so many unknowns swirling with sorrowful world events in the 2020s, my foot longs for more solid ground.
But my feet keep slipping. So I pray and look to nature for clues and cures since it never fails to point me toward truth, toward secret sources of wholeness and joy.
Just the other day, the woods were flourishing with color. At this moment in mid-December, the trees are bare, noble oaks and maples now vulnerable and grey.
Like this intimate encounter with a beggar, these trees have much to teach.
I haven’t seen him since last winter.
But I won’t forget that initial meeting. It was one of those days where the ground of your heart softens and your soul opens like a rose.
The atmosphere is strangely charged as all of your senses become acute, and spirit bids you to not miss a thing.
Almost a year ago, I spotted him walking in the cold rain, and a classic French Christmas song immediately rang through my being, having its way with me.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth.
Maybe you know the lyrics well too. This Christmas hymn is so hauntingly beautiful and timeless.
Has it ever been more meaningful?
Two predicaments–the suffering and injustice within humanity and the longing of hearts for beauty, dignity, and love–are somehow reconciled and resolved.
By an appearance.
But an appearance of what or whom?
Empathy & Taking the Perspective of Another Person
This is WELL WORTH two minutes of your time!
You may recall that I met an anxious, deaf, and homeless person who was begging at a birthday lunch with our son (the same son who battled for his life in 2020).
The deaf gentleman handed us a note which clarified his needs, and we learned: (1) how he became homeless upon the death of his father and (2) about his abhorrence of indignity and begging. He requested spare change to pay for a motel to avoid the local shelter which had proven unsafe.
Our hearts were stirred as we invited him to lunch, offered money, and brainstormed options. Because it was pre-pandemic, the three of us were physically close and even embraced.
Oh holy night, the stars are brightly shining, it is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Oh, that star and that birth. Have you considered what Mary’s virginal vulnerability suggests to us as guardians of the Christmas story?
Kathleen Norris writes:
“I treasure the story because it forces me to ask: When the mystery of God’s love breaks through into my consciousness, do I run from it? . . . Or am I virgin enough to respond from my deepest, truest self, and say something new, a “yes” that will change me forever?” (AMAZING GRACE: A Vocabulary of Faith; Riverhead Books, 1999.)
What blessing awaits when we allow the raw, fleshy, wonder of Christmas to reach us through new pathways of receiving?
What if the floodgates of blessing and Living Water are opened when hearts open with virginal vulnerability?
Sheltered comfortably in suburbia as I am, in this privileged pocket of possibilities and prosperity, it is not everyday that LOVE, Presence, Suffering, and Christ come near in soiled clothing with trembling, signing, vulnerable fingers.
Thank goodness they do.
When you enter into intimacy with suffering, with someone so broken-open and Christ-like, you can never truly leave unchanged.
For a time, you clearly see your lavish blessings, your depravity, and how your life is indeed a school of higher love.
But it is too easy to fall asleep. (How many times have I thought scornfully about Jesus’ best friend Peter who slumbered in Gethsemane!?!)
The thing is, whether it’s: a beggar in rags penetrating your personal space, or a profound loss, or a debilitating chronic illness, or a grave virus shocking your lungs and immune system, there exists an opportunity within that holy night for a most holy pause.
What is the invitation inside the pause? How might LOVE in disguise be knocking at my heart’s door asking whether there is any room? Is something new and healing in the darkness of night trying to be born?
Oh, friends, if in your mind’s eye you have pictured my small form juxtaposed with a scruffy bearded man, let’s set the record straight.
I am THE BEGGAR who came near Christ.
My imperfection, my weakness, my reliance on grace, my hunger for love and comfort, and my desire for dignity and home are all there.
I stumble blindly in a culture that mostly feels perplexing and unsafe. At a time in history when self-isolation and sheltering at home are commonplace, the world still seems to lack shelter.
Has there ever been a season we have so utterly yearned to become shelter for each other yet cannot do so safely?
Most of the time, I am deaf. I cannot hear the voice of Love. Can’t hear the Word’s frequent reminders to fear not. What a supreme gift when the Radiant Glance of Mercy rests even for a moment upon my humble beggar self.
Fall on your knees–oh hear the angel voices.
Perhaps this is why when life forces us to our knees and resistance comes…we can claim these chapters as blessings too.
Maybe the angel voices are patiently waiting for holy ears.
Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is Love and His gospel is Peace.
What beauty comes when I live under such a law and reflect such a gospel with hands surrendered and wide open!
Oh, night divine, oh night, oh night divine
My heart is tender with glimmers of hope as I consider the dark nights of my life’s past and see clearly now that holy stars were flickering.
As autumn edges closer to winter…
…and this advent season progresses to the celebration of one holy night two thousand and twenty one Decembers ago,
I wish you eyes to see through the world in error pining.
For there is surely an appearance on the horizon.
The light is coming.
Oh that your soul, that my soul, might feel their worth.
_______________________________________________________________________
Listen and be blessed.
p.s. More soulful reflections here.
p.s.s. I love you.
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Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Every one of your posts is gorgeous, Michele, but this one is beautiful in a different way. Your words, your pictures, your big heart.
Author
I’m so grateful to have you here. Thanks for the kindness, lovely one. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful post. It has caused me to pause, reflect and recalibrate my priorities this Christmas season.
Author
I’m so thankful for the help along the journey to keep adjusting my lens to see as God sees. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
Incredibly moving thoughts and wisdom! Thanks for sharing!
Author
Thanks for taking the time to leave kind words here, Sandra – hope you have a lovely week. 🙂
“There but for the Grace of God, go I.” Bless your tender heart, Michele.
My favourite Pentatonix song is Mary, Did You Know? It moves me to tears.
Author
I do love Mary Did You Know as well! Wishing you peace this freezy rainy day in Chicagoland that I braved over and over for this rescue puppy in the house! 🙂
Michelle, your words touched my heart, and moved me to tears. You have such a beautiful spirit, and I am inspired by your faith and positive outlook. Blessings to you and your family this Christmas season.
Author
Thank you for bringing beauty here and for the friendship and blessing. Wishing you and yours deep peace. xox
My favorite photo– of you and your dog. And it brings tears to my eyes every time– our little fuzzy baby is 16 now and I know she won’t be with us much longer. God give me the grace… ♥
Author
Our pets are so dear and give love so freely and fully – what a taste of heaven it is – peace to you and yours.
Beautiful, Michele💕 The weary world rejoices🙌🏼
Author
Mmmmmmmm – yes – the thrill of hope! Thanks, Amy. xox
A friend passed along your blog. All I can say is “thank you” for sharing your wisdom and “heartsong” (Mattie Stepanek). Blessings of peace to you.
Author
So happy to welcome you here – Merry Christmas, and thanks for reading.
Simply beautiful, Michele. A blessed Christmas to you and your family.
Author
Merry Christmas, friend – peace to you and thanks so much for reading.
What an inspiring post! I enjoyed every word of it and the beautiful images. Wishing you Merry Christmas and God’s richest blessings! 🎄❤️🙏🏻
Author
So thankful to have you here – peace to you and yours this Christmas, friend.
This was so inspiring and uplifting. The thoughts in my head and heart went everywhere. Memories of family present and past touched my soul. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas. Di
Author
So happy and thankful to have you here with your tender heart – may it be blessed and filled with wonder this Christmas, Di. xox
Michelle,
Your posts are always filled with such love and insight. I love your posts since you always put your heart into it. This is the season of hope and I hope you continue to heal and be blessed.
I love Pentatonix too.
Hugs,
Bev
Author
Thank you for being a blessing and visiting me with such a kind tender heart, Bev. Merry Christmas, lovely one.
Michele, This post… I’m kind of speechless, and I appreciate the beauty in this so much. Your blog is always such a warm place of rest and safety. I’ve been thinking about empathy a lot lately and how it’s often thought to be the same as kindness. It really took me years to understand the difference. And, even knowing the difference, sometimes it doesn’t always happen spontaneously. (I guess I’m not absolutely speechless!) I’ve featured this post today at the TFT party. Hope you’re having a good day.
Author
Thank you so much for your tenderness and support, Pam. Looking forward to gathering with you at TFT and wishing you and yours abundant joy and comfort. xox
Thank you for your wonderful Inspiration. You made me so happy to hear the wonderful words of Oh Holy Night, with such beautiful scenery. I just met you and I think I love you. Blessings for this New Year! So refreshing!
Author
I’m so happy to have you here and am feelin’ the love – love to you, new friend.
Thank you, I so needed this!!! I can see the season through different eyes.
Author
Oh, I’m so happy you took the time to let me know. Warms my heart. xox
As always – beautifully touching!
Author
Merry Christmas, and peace to you, friend.
I love the photos of Paris. I’ve taken almost the same shots from the same positions. Very anxious to go back again. Dang Covid.
Author
I feel the same. I’m ready to go since the day we were to visit Versailles, heavy rains prevented it! So much beauty to see.
You never cease to inspire me. Thank you for sharing your loving heart!
Author
Thank you for being here and leaving footprints, friend. Peace to you.
Your writing is so beautiful Michele. I remember the story of the beggar and I just love O Holy Night. You are purely a gift to all of us reading. God bless you and your family and Merry Christmas!🎄❤️🎄
Author
Isn’t it an amazing hymn that keeps ministering year after year? Thank you, Holly for being here with me, for journeying as a sister, and for ushering so much beauty into the world. We need it desperately. Love to you and Ron this Christmas! xox
Thank you for the lovely.
Author
So happy to have you here. Merry Christmas, friend.