As we light the Candle of Love on this final Sunday of Advent, I’ve been reflecting on the countless ways love has filled my life this Christmas season. This time of year always invites a special kind of joy and reflection, and this Advent season has been no exception. Love has been present in moments of laughter, generosity, wonder, and quiet stillness—each one reminding me of what this season is truly about.
This week, I had the humbling opportunity to serve with Mean Street Ministries, visiting two hotels in Lakewood, Colorado, to bring food and presents to people in need. For some, these gifts may be the only ones they receive this Christmas. As we handed out hot chocolate and sang carols, we also asked if anyone needed prayer. It was a simple but powerful reminder of how love can show up in the most unexpected ways, even in the face of hardship. God’s presence was so evident in that space, and my heart felt deeply moved as I witnessed the gratitude and hope in the eyes of those we served.
I’ve also been blessed to see love through the eyes of children this season. Spending time with Grayson and Josef-Henri has been one of the greatest gifts. Whether it was building gingerbread houses together or just sharing a quiet moment, their joy has been contagious. Grayson’s wide-eyed wonder at all the little Christmas traditions reminded me of just how magical this season can feel when seen through the lens of a child’s heart.
And then there are the quiet moments of love, those simple yet profound experiences that give me pause. One of my favorites this season was walking along the River Walk in Golden, Colorado, under a canopy of sparkling Christmas lights. There’s something about the combination of crisp winter air, festive lights, and a peaceful evening that feels like stepping into a storybook.
Another of those quiet, love-filled moments has been spent wrapping presents for my family and friends while sitting under the soft glow of my Christmas tree. Each ribbon tied and each gift selected is a small but meaningful way to express my love for the people who make my life brighter. This year, the process has been especially touching because this season has been full of firsts—moments and experiences I once only dreamed of, but now get to treasure.
In my classroom, I’ve witnessed love in the purest and most heartwarming of forms. My students worked so hard on gifts for their parents, and as they carefully wrapped them, one of them said, “This is the first time I have something just from me for my mom and dad.” That small, powerful moment brought tears to my eyes. Their pride, care, and thoughtfulness reminded me that the simplest acts of love often mean the most.
Another memory I’ll carry from this season is watching The Santa Clause with people I hold dear. Sharing laughter, nostalgia, and joy over a classic Christmas movie brought us closer together and reminded me of how traditions—both old and new—help us express love in ways that words often cannot. There’s a special kind of magic in sharing these moments with the people you love most, and this year, that magic has been more present than ever.
As Christmas Day approaches, I’m reminded again and again that love is at the heart of the season. Whether it’s the love we share with family and friends, the love we show to strangers through acts of service, or the love we experience in God’s presence, it’s what makes this season so meaningful.
This week, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the ways you’ve seen and shared love this season. Maybe it’s through serving others, giving a thoughtful gift, or simply sitting and being present with someone who needs you. Love doesn’t need to be extravagant; often, it’s in the quiet, intentional moments that love speaks the loudest.
From my family at The View Cafe to yours, I wish you a week filled with love, light, and joy as we celebrate the greatest gift of all. Merry Christmas!
This week, I had the humbling opportunity to serve with Mean Street Ministries, visiting two hotels in Lakewood, Colorado, to bring food and presents to people in need. For some, these gifts may be the only ones they receive this Christmas. As we handed out hot chocolate and sang carols, we also asked if anyone needed prayer. It was a simple but powerful reminder of how love can show up in the most unexpected ways, even in the face of hardship. God’s presence was so evident in that space, and my heart felt deeply moved as I witnessed the gratitude and hope in the eyes of those we served.
I’ve also been blessed to see love through the eyes of children this season. Spending time with Grayson and Josef-Henri has been one of the greatest gifts. Whether it was building gingerbread houses together or just sharing a quiet moment, their joy has been contagious. Grayson’s wide-eyed wonder at all the little Christmas traditions reminded me of just how magical this season can feel when seen through the lens of a child’s heart.
And then there are the quiet moments of love, those simple yet profound experiences that give me pause. One of my favorites this season was walking along the River Walk in Golden, Colorado, under a canopy of sparkling Christmas lights. There’s something about the combination of crisp winter air, festive lights, and a peaceful evening that feels like stepping into a storybook.
Another of those quiet, love-filled moments has been spent wrapping presents for my family and friends while sitting under the soft glow of my Christmas tree. Each ribbon tied and each gift selected is a small but meaningful way to express my love for the people who make my life brighter. This year, the process has been especially touching because this season has been full of firsts—moments and experiences I once only dreamed of, but now get to treasure.
In my classroom, I’ve witnessed love in the purest and most heartwarming of forms. My students worked so hard on gifts for their parents, and as they carefully wrapped them, one of them said, “This is the first time I have something just from me for my mom and dad.” That small, powerful moment brought tears to my eyes. Their pride, care, and thoughtfulness reminded me that the simplest acts of love often mean the most.
Another memory I’ll carry from this season is watching The Santa Clause with people I hold dear. Sharing laughter, nostalgia, and joy over a classic Christmas movie brought us closer together and reminded me of how traditions—both old and new—help us express love in ways that words often cannot. There’s a special kind of magic in sharing these moments with the people you love most, and this year, that magic has been more present than ever.
As Christmas Day approaches, I’m reminded again and again that love is at the heart of the season. Whether it’s the love we share with family and friends, the love we show to strangers through acts of service, or the love we experience in God’s presence, it’s what makes this season so meaningful.
This week, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the ways you’ve seen and shared love this season. Maybe it’s through serving others, giving a thoughtful gift, or simply sitting and being present with someone who needs you. Love doesn’t need to be extravagant; often, it’s in the quiet, intentional moments that love speaks the loudest.
From my family at The View Cafe to yours, I wish you a week filled with love, light, and joy as we celebrate the greatest gift of all. Merry Christmas!
