In “The Last Straw” by Frederick H. Thury and illustrated by Vlasta van Kampen, the old camel is chosen to carry the gifts of the Wise Men to Bethlehem.  Along the way, gifts from others keep getting piled on until his back is breaking from the heavy load:

When the old camel finally arrives in Bethlehem, he enters the stable and lurches to his knees with pain and exhaustion from the heavy burden he has carried so long and so far.  And then, something very special happens…

The tiny hand of the Christ Child reaches out to touch the old camel.  His heavy burden seems to be lifted.  His pain is eased by a deeper joy.  The touch is one of healing.

I am certain there are many who have sadness, who carry heavy burdens this Christmas season.  There are many who for various reasons long for the touch of God entering their lives….long for a touch of love, someone to be present, someone to understand, someone to lighten the load.  The longing of advent is for the touch of God to be with us.

This collage portrays an essence of the Tree of Life.  The tree is connected to the people of the world through the the different hands represented. When I finished the drawing I stood back and saw something I had not yet seen.  The design of the tree emerged as the hand of God reaching down from Heaven to earth, holding all of creation in His hand.  God came to TOUCH.  God came to HOLD.  God came to BE WITH US!

Questions to ponder…

Are there burdens for you at this time of Christmas?

May you, my friend, experience the touch of God.

nk