I love Christmas. I love the preparation, the anticipation, every event, concert, service, dinner and especially our family time. I love the Christmas story and all of the mystery and wonder that it inspires every year. In fact, I have a small collection of manger scenes. This past year I have had 5 manger scenes in my office all year long. During the month of December we have 2 manger scenes downstairs, 8 upstairs and one large one that we didn't set up this year. I even have a small one made out of glass on my bedroom dresser. Each time I look at one it reminds me of the wonder of this season. My oldest son and daughter-in-law gave me 2 manger scenes this year that I will cherish. I might even take one to my office and trade it for one that is there now.
The reality of the end of the season came when I went outside on December 26th and noticed that our neighbors had already undecorated their Christmas tree and it was laying on its side next to their trash can. Now, several days later, some of our neighbors aren't turning their lights on anymore and by the weekend, I will probably unplug my timers and that will be that. This is the sad time of the celebration, the slow finale of a wonderful time. One of my favorite Christmas stories is one titled Christmas Every Day. It's the story of a little girl who is granted her wish that Christmas would come every day of the year. After a while, there are no more turkeys to be had, no more gifts to buy, everyone is cranky and hates Christmas. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, but I do wish there was a way to extend the season and then bring it to an orderly, happy end. Maybe I'll work on that for next year.
For now, I'll enjoy some great gifts that I received, thank God for my family and friends, and concentrate on sharing the truth of Advent with a world that is desperate to know God, even if they don't know it.
1 comment:
I love the lights and we leave out outside lights on until Jan 6th, Ephiphany. We may leave the tree up too. I hate it when the lights go out, but it does remind me that the true light lives in my heart and came to bring light to world.
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