There are so many things that go through my mind at Christmas. Presents given and received. Places lived and visited. Family and friends that have passed through my/our lives. Weather that passes for normal here in the south. Church services. Things that compete or have competed for memories may or may not be remembered correctly because of the time that has passed in between then and now. A lot of is a jumble but a few things stand out because they were repeated or unique.
This will be the first Christmas here on earth that I won't have a mom present. For the past 56 years she was a constant in my life along with dad who passed before her. An example of love and graciousness, she loved the Christmas holidays and the decorating that went along with it because of the excitement that it brought to those around her and the ways that she was able to celebrate it. I am excited for her in that she is getting to celebrate the Savior up close and personal. I am excited in the way our little family has grown in the past few years so that we can continue the traditions that I remember and celebrate the birth of the Christ.
This is the 50th year the Smiths have resided at 126 N Jackson. We moved from the house next door in '66 because we had outgrown it. I don't remember the exact time that we started our family Christmas Eve service but it was special. We all would gather around as dad would read the story of a child born in Bethlehem and it grew into us all taking a part reading the story from the gospel of Luke. Candles were lit from each other and the light was passed around in remembrance of the light that came into the world. It brings a smile to remember each year as we and our family grew.
In the ensuing years Christmas has grown into a production that becomes worldlier as we speak. Capitalism competes with our attention to draw us away from the real reason that the world stopped to listen that evening as a baby cried. The uproar about saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas is over nothing except to keep us provoked as we go about our hurriedness and plans for the perfect gift/dinner/party. Those few minutes of quiet while we read words that were written 2000 years ago calmed the chaos that was life and does the same now. I believe the whole world could use some "And it came to pass in those days..........”
My Christmas list consists of nothing. What can you get a man who has everything? There are a few things I would like to see. I would like to see the youth I meet with have that seed of hope grow within them until fruit is sprouting out everywhere. I would like to see those who have share with those who haven't. I would for us to love our neighbor as ourselves. I would like to have my light shine upon a world that mostly is dark. I would like for you to understand that God loves you first. I would like for you to know that Christmas is about Christ, alone. I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas. Until next week. ags
