As I look out my upstairs window at the still cold twilight, I can see the many dog angels that Dodger has made in our back yard. You didn't know dogs made angels in the snow? Dodger does. He must have about 8 or 9 of them out there right now. He rolls on his back and swishs around and joyfully makes his version often.
Then I look around the neighborhood and see the Christmas lights displayed. People are getting better at it every year. Some are beginning to realize that less is more. Others not so much. But they are all colorful and beautiful to brighten up the night.(The angel on the tree above is one Julie made in Sunday School when she was very little and we have had it on the tree for every year since.)
Then I look up into the sky and see the stars come up. Some are one of the newer ones. The lately- get- to- heaven ones. And finally I feel a little glimmer of the Christmas Spirit awaken in me and I hear in the background of my mind the wonderful Mormon Tabernacle Choir that was on the TV the other night singing "For Unto Us A Child Is Born" and ending with "Angels we have heard on high with the Glor-ee-a chorus reiterated over and over at the end and I find myself singing along with them. The Christmas story is also read and my heart finally opens up wider to receive the blessings of Christmas.
I know one family where the mother is fighting an upcoming battle with double breast cancer; another where they recently lost their father; another where they are fighting for the the life of a man with a quadruple bypass who had a heart attack and some who have been without a job for over a year; and all the children in Africa dying every day from cholera. But in spite of all these and more bad things, I wish for you to take some time to let the Spirit of Christmas in your heart. Let it gladden your lives for just a moment. It surpasses all our troubles for they will pass, but Christmas and what it stands for will never go away.
10 comments:
Sometimes the commercialism of Christmas gets me down, the money spent, the time rushed, the hopes that sometimes get dashed...but I feel that if it were not for this holiday we wouldn't take the time to stop, even for just a nano second to think of our Savior, what He has done for us, and how we can try and brighten the lives of others in some way. So when all is said and done, I'm grateful for a day that says "There is hope in the world because a small child has lead the way...come follow Me"..Thanks for a sweet post Bernie and Merry Christmas to you!
Great post, Christmas is a special time of the year, for better or for worse.
I love Christmas Bernie, it is busy and fun and for just a moment everyone seems to love each other.
Happy to say Rchard is doing better, thank you for suporting our dear friend. Merry Christmas!
Big Hugs.....:-)
Just a lovely, lovely and thoughtful, post.
Thank you.
Love that you told about the sights and sounds around you, the stars, the music...all so beautiful this time of the year! I, too, have read blogs and know people who have lost loved ones recently or have serious illnesses that they are dealing with. It makes just the everyday planning for Christmas seem that much more special...at least much more so the older I get. Appreciatling those around me and the best gift of God are treasures that I hope I never forget!! Happy Holidays!!!
Bernie,
This has been the best post I've read so far. For this is what Christmas is all about!
Opening our hearts and letting the Spirit in.. receiving that love of Christ and then giving it away!
God bless you, Bernie. I have many people that I'm for this year; many concerns... but nothing can take away from the love, peace and joy of celebrating our Lord's birth.
Merry Christmas!
Joey
Bernie,
Merry Christmas for you.
Ana
Hello Bernie, Merry Christmas!
Giada
Merry Christmas Bernie!
- Mary Ann and William
First, great post! So many people have forgotten the real reason behind Christmas, I am even guilty of this sometimes during the Christmas season. It is so easy to get caught up in all the Christmas lights, presents, food, and people and forget about the fact that this is the Birthday of our Saviour.
I will be praying for those people that you know who are fighting for their lives and those that are without work.
~Makayla
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