CHRISTMAS LETTER 2024
“Star of the Sea”
In the warm embrace of an August morning in Wapakoneta, Ohio, where the air was thick with the scent of blooming late-summer flowers and the sun bathed everything in a golden glow, I found myself standing flustered yet excited in the driveway of my childhood home. The day had finally arrived—I was about to embark on my journey to continue my culinary education at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, Florida, a dream that had simmered in my heart since I first experienced the life of a chef during my initial two years as a culinary student at Sullivan University in Louisville, KY. This transition to a new culinary school was a strategic step toward achieving my dream job at Walt Disney World, “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” nestled in Orlando, Florida.
The car was packed, every inch filled with essentials and a few cherished keepsakes to remind me of home. While meticulously organizing every square inch and crevice to ensure I could bring everything I had planned in the limited space of my burgundy hatchback Ford Focus, my grandmother called.
“Tony, I know you’re getting ready to leave, but can you stop by before you go? I have something for you,” Grams said longingly, hoping for one last opportunity to see me before my departure.
Though I had already planned on doing so, I assured her I would stop by. So, before the last items were packed, I drove over to the house on Nottingham for one final goodbye. They must have been watching out the back window for my car to turn the corner on the far end of the country block, as Gram and Gramps were waiting for me in the open garage when I pulled into the driveway. They both greeted me with loving and comforting hugs, instantly calming the stresses from the tedious task of packing so many things into a small vehicle. Grams, obviously concealing something in her hand, guided me back to the driver’s door of my car. Gramps chuckled his silly giggle as he gazed into the windows of my car at the amount of belongings I had crammed into the limited space.
“Will there be any room left for your father?” he teased, knowing that Dad was driving down to Florida with me.
“Oh, Don, leave him alone!” Grams quipped back.
In her hand, she held a small treasure—a bronze “guardian angel” visor clip. Its surface glinted in the sunlight, showcasing the delicate craftsmanship of an angel with wings poised as if ready to take flight.
“Before you hit the road,” she said, her voice rich with love and a touch of glimmering hope, “I want you to put this in your car.”
She pressed the guardian angel into my hand, and I felt the warmth of her touch linger on the cool metal. The angel’s serene expression seemed to hold a whisper of reassurance, a promise of protection on the journey ahead.
“This little angel will watch over you,” she continued, her eyes locking onto mine with a depth that conveyed her unwavering faith. “Whenever you travel far from home, just remember that you are never truly alone—you are being watched over.”
A wave of emotion surged through me as I hugged her tightly, the moment becoming a cherished memory even as it unfolded. Her gift was more than a simple token; it was a piece of her love, a symbol of her belief in me, and a reminder that no matter how far I traveled, home was always within reach. Though I may not have fully believed it at the time, it was a lesson on angels. During my faith journey in those years, I was quite hesitant in my belief in angels; it felt a bit too “Catholic-y.” Nonetheless, because that angel clip was the tangible expression of my grandmother's faith, I clipped it onto the driver’s visor of my car and never removed it until the day I traded that car in ten years later.
With a deep breath, I drove off, watching in my rearview mirror as Gram and Gramps waved until I was out of sight. As the house on Nottingham became smaller and smaller in my periphery, my thoughts shifted from that emotional goodbye to the excitement and the unsettling unknown of the journey ahead. I returned home, and with emotional goodbyes all around, I said farewell to Mom, Marty, and Michael.
The drive was mostly smooth for Dad and me. While navigating the bustling streets of downtown Atlanta, the cityscape whizzing by in a blur of vibrant billboards and towering skyscrapers, an unexpected jolt of excitement interrupted our drive. Out of nowhere, a rogue pop bottle, likely caught in the frenzy of urban traffic, catapulted from the road and tapped against our windshield with a startling thud. Both Dad and I jumped in our seats, our hearts skipping a beat as we exchanged wide-eyed glances; a moment of shared surprise quickly dissolved into relieved laughter. The bottle, now bouncing off cars behind us, left us with a humorous tale of how Atlanta's hustle and bustle gave us a playful scare.
“Maybe there’s something to this guardian angel clip,” I mused to myself flippantly, lightly tapping the clip and thinking of my grandmother.
It would be another twenty years, in the preparation of writing this story, that I would finally understand how true those words might become.
~~~~~~~~~
Each morning, as I embarked on my cherished ritual of driving to the beach for the sunrise, the journey from my school in North Miami became a tranquil escape—a gentle awakening before the demands of my 2 PM culinary lab. The drive began in the soft, predawn stillness, the city streets hushed and serene, as if holding their breath in anticipation of the day.
The highlight of this short drive was the arching bridge that gracefully spanned the waterway. As I ascended its gentle curve, the ocean remained hidden from view, cloaked by the structure’s rising slope. But as my car reached the pinnacle, the world seemed to open up before me, revealing the vast ocean stretching endlessly under the sky.
At that moment, just the hint of sunrise began to paint the horizon, a delicate blush of color heralding the arrival of dawn. The first rays of sunlight peeked over the edge of the world, casting a soft glow that danced across the water’s surface, transforming the sea into a shimmering expanse of liquid gold and pastel hues.
Reaching the other side of the bridge, the full panorama of the ocean lay before me, an invitation to pause and breathe in the beauty of the morning. Parking my car, I would step onto the cool sand, the whisper of waves harmonizing with the gentle colors of the sunrise—a perfect, peaceful beginning to the day, infusing me with inspiration and calm before returning to school to embrace the culinary challenges ahead. This would be my morning routine for most days of my first year at Johnson & Wales.
During those mornings on the beach, I would spread my brightly colored towel on the warming sand as the sunrise kissed the shore. As the gentle surf danced playfully at my feet, I would lose myself in the joyous melodies of praise and worship music, my voice rising like a cheerful kite on the breeze to the heavens.
🎶There is sunshine in my soul today,
More glorious and bright,
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my light!
O there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine,
Where the peaceful, happy moments roll,
Christ Jesus, His smiling face,
Bringing sunshine to my soul.🎶
Each note sung became a bridge to the divine. In those sacred moments, the ocean transformed into a vast sanctuary, where every wave crashing against the shore echoed the heartbeat of creation itself. Here, my soul felt free, unburdened by the weight of the world, as I surrendered my thoughts and worries to the vastness of the sea and sky.
One particular sunrise, as I was taking pictures of the serene shore and singing my praises heavenward, I noticed a figure approaching from the distance. It was a woman with a radiant smile, her hair dancing in the morning breeze. Just as my attention seemed to be mystically drawn to her peaceful stride in the sand, she seemed drawn to the sound of my singing, her steps light and carefree.
🎶There is music in my soul today,
A carol to my King;
And Jesus, listening, can hear
The song I cannot sing.
There is gladness in my soul today,
And hope, and praise, and love,
For blessings which He gives me now,
For joys laid up above.🎶
When she reached me, she paused, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I couldn't help but stop and listen," she said, her voice warm and inviting. "Your music is beautiful; it carries such joy."
Her name was Marianna, and as we chatted, I learned that she walked these shores every morning. I shared with her how I was a culinary student from Ohio and how my beach towel was like a veil, and shuffling my feet into the sand felt like stepping into the throne room of the Divine. In that moment, the beach became our sacred space, a place where we could celebrate our connection to the Divine and to each other—strangers now friends. As the year progressed, I always looked forward to the mornings when I would get to see Marianna.
Marianna was petite, her stature reflecting a certain grace that seemed to mirror the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean waves. In her senior years, her features held a warmth and wisdom that only time could bestow. Her skin was a beautiful sun-kissed brown, hinting at her Latino heritage, and her shorter, salt-and-pepper curly hair framed her face with a lively bounce, often catching the morning light in a way that made it shimmer.
Her expressive brown eyes sparkled with a piercing golden prism in the light of the sunrise. Her spirit radiated kindness and an infectious joy that drew people in, making you feel instantly at ease in her presence. She often wore comfortable, flowing floral-printed dresses in vibrant colors that matched her lively spirit, each garment seeming to dance around her as she walked along the shore. Her smile was radiant, capable of brightening even the cloudiest of mornings, and her laughter carried a musical quality that blended harmoniously with the sounds of the beach.
Despite her smaller stature, Marianna had a commanding presence, radiating positivity and warmth that made her seem larger than life. She moved with a lightness that conveyed both energy and serenity, embodying the beauty of the beach and the joy of our shared moments in a way that felt truly special. Each time she walked by on her return stroll along the shore, we would greet each other with warm smiles, and she would always pause to ask, “What would you like to pray for today?” It was a simple yet profound ritual.
Depending on the day, we would pray about schoolwork, family back home in Ohio, or the adventures of living this new life in the Sunshine State. I would often return the question to her, “Is there anything I can lift in prayer for you today?” In response, she would often express gratitude, lifting praises to God for the beauty of the day, the gift of friendship, and the serenity of the ocean. “Let’s celebrate God’s goodness,” she would say. Feeling that familiar sense of joy bubble within me, my spirit would light up at her words, and together we would raise our voices in prayer, enveloping ourselves in a sacred moment of worship.
One sunny morning, however, Marianna surprised me with her request. As she stood there, she looked thoughtful. “Today, I’d like you to pray for something close to my heart,” she said, her voice a blend of hope and vulnerability. “I want to pray that I can bring my family to this country.”
Her words hung in the air, filled with longing and determination. I could see the weight of her desire reflected in her eyes. With a nod of understanding, I took her hands in mine, and together we lifted our voices to the heavens, asking for guidance and support in her pursuit. We prayed for paths to be made open and for the opportunities that would make her dream a reality. I could feel the sincerity of her heart as she joined in again, praising God, her spirit ignited with faith.
As the school year drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the many cherished mornings spent with Marianna along the sunlit shore. On my last sunrise visit before heading back to Ohio, I arrived at the beach with a heart full of anticipation, eager to share some wonderful news that had filled me with joy. When I spotted Marianna walking toward me, her petite figure outlined against the shimmering ocean, I felt a rush of excitement. We exchanged our usual warm greetings, and I could hardly contain my happiness. “Marianna,” I said, a smile spreading across my face, “I have something to share! My prayer was answered—I got the internship at Disney!”
Her eyes widened with delight, and a radiant smile broke across her face, reflecting the joy I felt inside. “Oh, that is wonderful!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace. “I knew God had great plans for you!” In that moment, I could feel the genuine happiness radiating from her, as if my news was a blessing for both of us.
As we settled onto the sand, I shared more about the exciting opportunity ahead of me. I told her how my grandpa would be flying down to Florida in a week to help me pack up and drive back to Ohio, where I would spend the summer before starting this incredible new chapter in my life. Marianna listened intently, her eyes shining with encouragement as I recounted my hopes and dreams for the magical internship ahead.
In our usual fashion, we paused to pray together, lifting our voices in gratitude for the answered prayer and the blessings that lay ahead. We thanked God not only for my opportunity but also for the special bond we had formed over our time together. As the waves lapped gently at our feet, I felt a profound sense of connection—not just to Marianna but to the divine purpose that had guided our paths. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the moments we had shared, knowing that the memories of our sunlit prayers would accompany me on my journey ahead.
The morning my grandpa and I were set to drive back to Ohio arrived with a sense of bittersweet anticipation. I had planned to make a special stop at our cherished spot on the beach, a place where so many beautiful memories with Marianna had unfolded. Holding a bouquet of vibrant flowers—bright sunflowers and cheerful daisies—along with a heartfelt card, I felt a mixture of excitement and sadness. I wanted to leave her a tangible token of our friendship, a reminder of the joy we had shared.
As I approached the beach, the sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm, golden light across the sand and shimmering waters. The air was filled with the familiar scent of salt and sea, but there was an unusual stillness in the atmosphere. I walked to our favorite spot, the one where we had prayed together countless times. However, as I stood there and it got closer and closer to the time Gramps wanted to leave, I felt a twinge of disappointment. Marianna hadn’t come walking by that day. I scanned the horizon, hoping to catch a glimpse of her familiar figure, but the morning passed quietly, with only the sound of the waves breaking against the shore.
Even though I felt a pang of sadness at her absence, there was also a sense of delightful closure. I reminded myself of the connection we had built and how special our moments together had been. I took a moment to pray silently, lifting my thoughts to God, asking that Marianna be blessed and that she would feel the love of our friendship even in my absence. I hoped she would come to the beach soon and find the flowers and the card, and that they would bring her a smile.
With a soft sigh, I turned to leave, glancing back one last time at the bouquet nestled in the sand, the card fluttering slightly in the breeze. It felt right to leave those gifts there, a piece of my heart for her to find. As I walked away, I carried with me the warmth of our memories, knowing that even if we were apart, the bond we had formed was truly special.
As I made my way back to meet my grandpa, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. Though I would miss those mornings on the beach with Marianna, I recognized that our friendship had come full circle, leaving me with a heart full of gratitude and joy for the experiences we had shared. I took one last look at the ocean, the waves rolling in like a gentle promise, and set off for the journey ahead, comforted by the beautiful connection we had created together.
“Did your friend like the flowers?” Gramps asked inquisitively, though not fully understanding the depth of my connection with Marianna.
“She didn’t come by today,” I said with a hint of sadness, “But I left them for her at our spot in the sand. I’m sure she will see them soon.”
~~~~~~~~~
In choosing this year’s Christmas story, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. I wanted to share the tale of my time on the beach with Marianna, a friendship that had left an indelible mark on my heart. I decided to share this story about Marianna because, especially in the current political climate, it tells a narrative of how friendships can be born over simple acts of kindness and connection. Eighteen years after my interactions with Marianna, in the process of crafting my letter, I decided to look up the meaning of her name, curious to see if it held any significance that might resonate with our story.
As I typed "Marianna" into the search bar, the results appeared before me: the name meant “Star of the Sea.” In that instant, a powerful rush of energy coursed through me, a spiritual Dunamis, and I felt a profound realization settle in my spirit. I was assured that the Still-Speaking God had sent a gentle whisper, with the power of a mighty wave, reverberating through my entire being and electrifying every vein in my body. That message from the voice of the Still-Speaking God illuminated the truth that had always been there but had only now fully come to light:
Marianna was an angel.
The understanding washed over me like the waves lapping at the shore where we had shared so many sacred moments. I remembered her radiant smile, her generous spirit, and the way she had encouraged me to lift my voice in praise and gratitude. She had been a guiding light during a pivotal time in my life, nurturing my faith and helping me see the beauty in every sunrise. The realization that her name symbolized a “star of the sea” felt incredibly fitting, as she had been a beacon of hope and inspiration for me.
In that moment, I recognized that our friendship was not just a mere coincidence but a divine appointment. Marianna had come into my life at a time when I needed guidance and support, and her presence had reminded me of the beauty of connection and the power of prayer. It was as if God had sent her to remind me of my own worth and to illuminate the path ahead.
The name Marianna, beautifully combining the names Mary and Anne, resonates deeply with the themes of maternal love, faith, and protection. Mary, the mother of Jesus, embodies the essence of nurturing and divine purpose, while Anne, Jesus's grandmother, symbolizes wisdom, devotion, and the importance of spiritual lineage. Together, they represent a legacy of faith that has profoundly influenced generations.
In my own life, Marianna became a guiding force during a pivotal time, and her presence mirrored the qualities associated with both Mary and Anne. Just as Mary embraced her calling with grace and strength, and Anne offered wisdom and encouragement, Marianna brought warmth and support that felt both nurturing and protective. Her name serves as a reminder of these powerful feminine figures in the Christian tradition, connecting me to a deeper understanding of faith and divine guidance.
This connection is further enriched by the faith of my grandmother, who cherished the belief in guardian angels. She often called upon her guardian angel to watch over me, invoking a sense of divine protection that was truly palpable. Her faith was unwavering, rooted in the understanding that just as Mary and Anne played crucial roles in Jesus’s life, so too could angels play significant roles in our lives, always guarding, guiding, and directing us toward a deeper connection to God and our brother, Jesus Christ. My grandmother’s prayers were infused with a deep love and a desire for my safety and well-being, reminiscent of the nurturing spirit of Mary and the wisdom of Anne.
As I reflect on the name Marianna and the legacy it carries, I see it as a living testament to the protective and guiding nature of faith. Just as Mary nurtured Jesus and Anne provided wisdom and support, my grandmother called upon the angels to safeguard me. This intertwining of names and faith underscores the idea that we are surrounded by a lineage of love and protection, one that transcends generations.
In this light, Marianna becomes more than just a friend; she is a symbol of the divine feminine—the embodiment of the nurturing qualities of both Mary and Anne, and a reminder of the protective presence that my grandmother sought in her prayers. May we all embrace this legacy, recognizing that the love and guidance of those who have come before us continue to shape our journeys, bringing us closer to the divine and reminding us of the angels that walk alongside us in our lives.
Marianna had truly been my “Star of the Sea,” and I hope that by sharing this story, I can inspire others to recognize the angels in their own lives—those who guide, uplift, and shine brightly in moments of darkness. The memories of our time together will forever remain a cherished part of my journey, a reminder of the divine connections that can shape our lives in unexpected ways.
~~~~~~~~~
“Angels are the ones who show up unexpectedly, who remind us that we are never alone,
and who help us listen to the whispers of the Divine.”
—Barbara Brown Taylor—
“Angels are the messengers of the Divine, the ones who come to remind us of the
sacred in our lives and to help us see beyond the material world.”
—Matthew Fox—
~~~~~~~~~
As I reflect, I am deeply convinced that it was not the angel clip itself that brought Marianna into my life but rather my grandmother’s unwavering faith and guidance, coupled with the profound love of God, that orchestrated this angelic friendship. My grandmother often spoke of angels as messengers of hope and comfort, and her belief in their presence shaped my understanding of the world around me. When Marianna asked me to pray “to bring her family to this country,” her words resonated with a yearning that felt far more expansive than the simple logistics of immigration. It struck me that her plea was a call for us to recognize and embrace the unexplainable forces at work in our lives—those celestial companions that walk alongside us, often unnoticed yet profoundly impactful.
In that moment, I realized that Marianna's desire was not solely about reuniting with loved ones; it was a longing for our country and its people to awaken to the divine connections that bind us all—inviting us to look beyond the surface of our daily lives and acknowledge the angels that surround us, guiding us in ways we may not fully comprehend. It was as if she was encouraging us to open our hearts to the extraordinary influences that shape our paths, to recognize that we are never truly alone in our struggles and aspirations. Realizing this, I felt a spark of hope—a reminder that even in our most challenging times, the love of God and the presence of angels can illuminate our way, guiding us toward a future filled with compassion, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
In the stillness of a night that seemed ordinary, a group of shepherds tending their flocks in the fields received an extraordinary announcement that would change the course of history. Angels, radiant and awe-inspiring, broke through the darkness, proclaiming the birth of Christ with messages of joy and hope. This divine revelation was not delivered to kings or scholars but to shepherds—individuals who occupied one of the lowest social strata in their society. These humble caretakers of sheep were often overlooked, their roles deemed menial and unimportant. Yet, in God's grand design, it was precisely these marginalized figures who were chosen to be the first recipients of the joyous news of Christ's birth.
This profound moment speaks volumes about the nature of God's love and His desire to reach out to those who often feel excluded or forgotten. The shepherds, shunned by many, found themselves at the epicenter of the most significant event in human history. By choosing them as the first messengers of His Son's arrival, God demonstrated that grace knows no bounds and that every individual, regardless of their societal standing, is worthy of God’s attention and love. This divine choice shatters the notion of hierarchy and reminds us that in the kin-dom of God, The last shall be first.
For those who feel marginalized in our world today—whether due to economic hardship, social status, or personal struggles—this story offers a powerful message of hope and affirmation. It reminds us that our worth is not determined by the judgments of society but by the unconditional love of God. Just as the shepherds were called to witness and share the miraculous news of Christ's birth, we too can find purpose and significance in our lives, regardless of how others may perceive us. In a world that often prioritizes the voices of the powerful and the wealthy, the story of the shepherds serves as a beacon of hope, assuring us that we are seen, valued, and given the opportunity to spread love and light, just as the angels did on that sacred night.
Luke 2:8–14 NRSV
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing
you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth
and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,
praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
As we gather in the spirit of this joyous season, may your hearts be filled with the warmth of love, the light of hope, and the joy of community. In this time of reflection and celebration, let us remember the beautiful connections that enrich our lives and the angels, both seen and unseen, who guide us along our journeys.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, happiness, and the unwavering love of God. May we continue to walk together in faith, embracing the light of Christ and sharing it with the world around us.
In Christ’s love,
Anthony & Tyler Spearhart