The winner of Merrillee’s book and ornament is Karen Collier. Congratulations, Karen! Now, on to Ruthy’s Christmas memory.
How can someone who loves Christmas have one favorite???? I think my favorite though, was nearly thirty-five years ago. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law’s first child… a little boy named Alan…. had passed away at six months old, January 6th , fighting Herpes Simplex Encephalitis, a brain infection caused by the Herpes virus. There were no answers, no comforts, nothing we could do to help them with the loss of their baby boy, but I remember praying throughout the end of that snowy winter, asking God to bless them with a child before Christmas. They’d gone through a rough Christmas, watching their baby boy fade away and I desperately wanted their next Christmas to be filled with joy. And as I prayed, I felt like God was listening, hearing me. I felt a peace descend on me, as if telling me things would be okay.
On December 25th of that year, my sister-in-law Carol delivered a small but beautiful baby girl, several weeks early. Amity was born in the light of a Christmas morning, closing a year of loss with a day of joy.
I always felt like God heard those prayers the previous winter, that he heard and understood our loss and our plea. And then answered it with a baby born a touch early, just in time for Christmas.
I had asked each author to send a picture of Christmas ornaments if they’d like. Ruthy sent a picture of an Advent Wreath along with this note. I’m sending a picture of an Advent Wreath because I love them. The three purple and single rose candle remind me of the season of waiting, Advent, the prayer-filled days and long, dark nights. I love the idea of anticipating Christ’s birth, not Santa’s arrival… Although I like Santa well! 🙂 The prayerfulness of the wreath calls to me. And I love lighting candles!!!!
Christina here. Ever since I can remember my mother always had an Advent Wreath, but I only saw them as lighting a candle on the first Sunday, then two on the second, three on the third Sunday and so forth. I never once thought of them in the way as Ruthy described. I believe next year I will be making an Advent Wreath of my own and using it to focus on Christ our Savior.
Ruthy is giving away 3 copies of The Lawman’s Holiday Wish!
The Lawman’s Holiday Wish
Rainey Cabrera McKinney comes back home to Kirkwood Lake determined to make things right, but that’s a hard sell in small towns. Bad girls are assumed to be bad long after they’ve grown up and changed their ways. And when smokin’ hot Deputy Sheriff Luke Campbell realizes Rainey is the mother his son truly needs, he has to face the reality of his actions. A woman of faith, Rainey no longer does anything on a whim… and marriage to a man who shrugs off faith doesn’t make her short list. But with Christmas approaching and a little boy’s quest for independence, Luke and Rainey realize there’s more at stake than love: There’s faith, and that’s a solid ground to build a new family on.
www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com
*To be eligible for Ruthy’s book, you must leave a comment and live within the Continental United States. Winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be notified Dec 24 and posted on the sidebar as well.
Experience the Happily Ever After 
What wonderful memories, Ruth, and I’m so glad that Amity is okay. I know that must have frightened everyone. I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas. Love your books.
One day, I will meet Ruthy in person, and I think I’m just going to have to give her a big hug (and I’m not a hugger). Blessings on you and yours this year. Merry Christmas.
What a beautiful Christmas story, Ruth. I love the name Amity. What a blessing she is for your family.