If I was given an opportunity to look back through a window into my Christmas past, I know I would catch a glimpse of our family driving through town looking at all the Christmas lights that shimmered underneath snow-covered roofs. I know I would see the Capital building with its’ hallways lined with trees. As I wipe away the frost from the window pane, I can see our church Christmas plays being acted out just the same as they were many years ago. Tucked in the background, I can see our families’ secret miracle. I remember it so clearly, this particular family needed groceries. My parents took us girls to the grocery store and told us to help fill the buggy! Afterward, dad drove us over to their house and we sat the groceries on the front door step, rang the bell and ran to hide. Oh, what fun! They never knew who left the groceries; Just that someone cared. My parents always found ways to teach us how to be the hands and feet of Jesus. There are so many memories replaying just beyond the window pane.
Pulling the curtains back to get a better look, I can see my sister and I jumping up and down in sheer delight! It was Christmas Eve and my dad and mom had just told us girls we would be making the 1200-mile trip south for Christmas! All of my family lived in the South, except for us. Most years we saw our family in the summer and at Christmas time but this particular year we were not going South, or so we thought. My sister and I were like two parakeets locked in a cage saying, “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” I remember our arrival like it was yesterday. The “weary traveler” feeling was replaced with anticipation as we stood outside their country home in Tennessee. The smell of hardwoods and chimney smoke still lingers in the air. When they stepped outside, they were speechless; Only tears and warm embraces followed.
Once the shock wore off, my Grandma quickly busied herself with Christmas dinner. Everyone had a place at my Grandma’s table, with one exception; The children. We had our own special table that was separate from the adults. To this day, it is a standing joke that we have yet to make it to the adult table! Even with kids of our own, we still end up at the children’s table. Oh, the laughter that would roar through the house; Glasses clanging and silverware tinkering. Grandpa would be walking around with the video recorder and Grandma would have the camera taking pictures. Today those home videos and pictures are priceless to our family. We would sit down and watch them for hours; Laughing until we cried. How fitting that Charles Dickens is noted for saying, “There is nothing more irresistibly contagious than laughter and good humor.”
Before Christmas day would end, everyone would gather in the living room to listen to my Grandpa read the Christmas story once again. My Grandpa always made it clear to all of us the reason for the season. God penned, by his Son, the greatest love story ever told. A Savior was born, who is Christ the Lord. The spirit of our Christmas past has the power to overlap our present but it will not happen on accident, it must happen on purpose. It is up to us to teach it to our children. I pray this season finds you in Faith and with family and friends. As Tiny Tim said, “Merry Christmas to us all and God Bless Us. Every One.”
For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a savior who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
MERRY CHRISTMAS
When you write, Kristen, your words touch places in me that only God and I know about. And they stir memories that warm my heart and soul. All I can say is “thank you”. With love.
I will keep writing! I am grateful. I want to bless people and remind them of precious memories. Thank you for sharing!