“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom…and rejoice with joy and singing…They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. …Strengthen weak hands, and make firm feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear!” (Isaiah 35:1-4)
In some ways 2020 seems like a wasteland, a desert of aloneness amidst quarantines and global challenges. Now December has come and, while there’s hope with a vaccine on the horizon, things still look bleak with COVID infections skyrocketing in the U.S.
Let’s face it, Christmas this year may look completely different from years past. Devoid of parties, concerts, and town gatherings we anticipate with excitement, this holiday season may seem a tad dry and dreary.
Many of you still can’t go to church, either. (We go very carefully here with masks, tickets, social distance seating, and a scouring crew after each service.)
But, here’s the thing. The love of Jesus hasn’t changed. His love will still bloom in the deserts of our hearts, if we ask. The more we pray, strengthening His presence in our lives, the brighter the blooms – no matter how desolate things seem.
Flowers in the Desert (St. George’s Monastery – Wadi Qelt)
grace, peace & desert blooms
Virginia : )
“But I repeat, do not fear: Jesus is with you, and you are with Him! In darkness, tribulation, anxiety of spirit, Jesus is with you… I assure you that Jesus is holding you more tightly than ever to His divine heart.” Padre Pio (Saint Pio of Pietrelcina)
Roses in the Rubble 
A lovely post. Thanks Virginia for the share
Thanks for your affirmation, GH! For some reason it’s been harder this Advent putting posts up, but your encouragement means loads! Hugs!! 🎄🤗🎄
Fully understand as Covid has drained us all! You stay strong now. Blessings❤💚❤💚
🌟🎄🌟💜🌟🤗🌟🎄💜
Love the way you use emojis to create such a beautiful “banner” of comments🥰
We’re still not going to church. It’s just too risky, no matter how much I miss it (and I do!). Glad you’re able to do so safely. For now, it’s online Mass, for which I’m awfully grateful!
Debbie, going to church is now a privilege this redhead will never take for granted. As you care for your mom, it’s a double responsibility. You can be sure if my mama & papa were still with us, I would not be going out either! Big hugs!! ✨🤗✨
Beautiful pictures. Those last two reminded me of some stories I read about a priest … I imagined his church to look just so. Don…something was his name. They were wonderful stories. You got to know the people in the town and the priest himself was wise and kind. This is what I was thinking of: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66878.The_Little_World_of_Don_Camillo
Thank you for that book-link, I look forward to checking out those stories. I’ve always enjoyed good priest stories – from “The Keys to the Kingdom” to Jan Karon’s Father Tim. Advent blessings to you & yours! ✨🕊✨
Beautiful, enchanting images Virginia. Accept my wishes.
Nara x
Thank you for your encouragement, Nara. Blessings & New Year cheer! 🎊🤗🎊